Newcastle United are having to spin a number of plates on the fitness front this season.
With so many injuries to contend with, Eddie Howe has been forced to adapt.
Indeed, Newcastle managed to beat Manchester United in the Carabao Cup last week despite two full-backs in the form of Paul Dummett and Emil Krafth playing in central defence.
Such is the manner in which Howe has transformed the squad, both players impressed.
Now, he could be forced to tinker with things again.
With Matt Targett injured and Dan Burn forced off against Arsenal, left-back looks a problem.
Newcastle team news: Kieran Trippier latest
Still, Howe might have a solution.
Tino Livramento has impressed at right-back against both Manchester City and Manchester United in the Carabao Cup and even performed well against Arsenal when he replaced Burn at half-time.
The former Southampton defender’s introduction saw Kieran Trippier switch to left-back, something Howe has now confirmed is an option for Tuesday night’s trip to Borussia Dortmund.
Asked about the prospect of playing Trippier there, Howe replied (via BBC Sport’s Harry De Cosemo): “It is an option for us.”
Kieran Trippier: Solid option at left-back
Clearly, playing Trippier on the opposite flank is hardly ideal given how many assists he’s racked up in his more natural role this season.
Still, the 33-year-old has played there in big games for England, so it’s hardly new to him.
Hailed as defensively “nasty” by Alan Shearer, Newcastle can feel confident Trippier can adapt considering his previous experience there.
With Livramento in such good form too, it’s perhaps not as big a blow as it would have been at the start of the season.
None of this would be happening in a perfect world of course but that is not the reality we are operating in.
It’s all about adapting and Trippier’s experience should help that.
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