Newcastle United could be without Javi Manquillo for this weekend’s trip to West Ham due to injury.
The Magpies head to London with a slight injury crisis following the 1-0 win over Aston Villa. While the victory over Steven Gerrard’s side was huge, it came at a cost.
The biggest blow was Kieran Trippier, who has fractured a bone in his foot. He’s set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, although the injury reportedly isn’t season-ending.
Trippier’s natural replacement at right-back would be Manquillo, but the Spaniard has a problem of his own.
He started at left-back on Sunday with Matt Targett unable to play against his parent club, but was withdrawn before half time due to injury.
Shortly after Newcastle went ahead, Manquillo challenged a Villa player in the air and landed awkwardly. After the game, Eddie Howe feared it could be ligament damage.
While the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope has stated that the injury ‘isn’t too serious‘, the Athletic believe he is still a doubt for this weekend’s game against top four-chasing West Ham.
Pressure on Emil Krafth to perform amid Javi Manquillo injury
With both Trippier and possibly Manquillo out, Howe will likely go with Emil Krafth at right-back. The other option is Jacob Murphy, but that would be an unorthodox move that could backfire.
Krafth came on in place of Trippier on Sunday, and performed well given the circumstances. However, he is a clear downgrade on the England international.
The Swede will be under pressure to perform against the Hammers. There is already a real fear for the future following the Trippier news.
But Krafth can ease some of those worries with a solid performance at the London Stadium on Saturday. He’s playing for his future too, as a strong showing could keep him in the side ahead of Manquillo when his fitness woes end.
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