Eddie Howe does not know if £12m Newcastle star will be fit to face Sunderland on Saturday

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has suggested that the Magpies could be without one of their most important players against Sunderland on Saturday.

It has already been confirmed by Eddie Howe that Callum Wilson is going to miss the game at the Stadium Of Light, having picked up an injury during the defeat to Nottingham Forest.

The 31-year-old was not involved during Newcastle’s 4-2 defeat to Liverpool on New Year’s Day, and is now going to miss the Magpies’ next couple of games.

Another player who was absent at Anfield was Kieran Trippier, but, unlike Wilson, his status is unclear heading into Saturday’s Tyne-Wear derby in the FA Cup third round.

Eddie Howe provides injury update on Kieran Trippier

Following Newcastle’s defeat to Liverpool, Howe spoke to the Athletic. He provided an update on Trippier’s status heading into our next game at the Stadium Of Light.

“Kieran’s got a groin problem, both injuries picked up against Nottingham Forest,” he said.

“We’re unsure how serious it is. We hope that we can get him back pretty quickly.”

Huge blow if Kieran Trippier misses Sunderland game

It would be a huge blow if Trippier is unavailable for the derby against Sunderland. This is an absolutely massive game, and one that Howe will be putting out a full strength team for – unlike last year’s FA Cup third round.

The £12million man’s status appears to be up in the air, with Howe hoping that he can make a speedy recovery. You have to imagine that Trippier is a doubt at this moment in time, but there is at least some hope. While Howe has already ruled Wilson out, he has not done the same with Tripps.

While the 33-year-old has been struggling for form as of late, he is the type of player we need against Sunderland. He has played in ferocious atmospheres all over the world, and has the temperament that Newcastle will need to succeed on Wearside.

But if Trippier is unavailable, it will likely mean that Tino Livramento starts at right-back again with Dan Burn captaining the side from left-back – unless Jamaal Lascelles is recalled to the starting XI after making his return to fitness on New Year’s Day against Liverpool.