Keith Downie shares ‘positive’ update from Newcastle United training ground on Wednesday

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Newcastle United are going to be without Kieran Trippier for a few weeks, but a couple of his teammates are getting closer to full fitness.

Kieran Trippier was forced off during the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend, and is now set to miss our next two games. The 33-year-old is going to be unavailable for the away trips to Chelsea and Manchester City, but could return to face West Ham United on March 30th.

It is going to be a big blow to be without a player as important as Trippier, but we have a more than adequate replacement waiting in the wings. It will be a chance for Tino Livramento to operate at right-back, having spent a lot of his Toon career on the opposite side of defence.

And while Trippier receives treatment for his injury, two other Toon players are stepping up their bid to be fully fit and available for selection.

Matt Targett and Elliot Anderson in full Newcastle training on Wednesday

That is according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, who has shared an update on who was and was not involved in Newcastle United training on Wednesday.

He stated that there was no Trippier, but Elliot Anderson and Matt Targett were involved.

Downie wrote on X: “Kieran Trippier absent from Newcastle training this morning as he faces a 2/3 weeks on the sidelines with a calf strain. On the positive side for #NUFC both Matt Targett and Elliot Anderson in full training following injuries.”

Newcastle duo getting closer to full fitness

Toon fans have seen Anderson in action after his back injury, but only briefly. He scored a penalty in the shootout win over Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup, while he also came on in stoppage time against Wolves on Saturday.

But he is clearly still short of full fitness, as Howe appears to be being very careful with the local lad.

The same goes for Matt Targett, who is yet to appear in a matchday squad after returning to training more than a week ago. It looks like the club are acting with caution when it comes to the 27-year-old as well, which is sensible.

But Targett will be keen to be involved as soon as possible, potentially as early as Monday. That is because he will suddenly be the reserve left-back with Tino Livramento being needed on the right and Lewis Hall being unable to feature against his parent club.

While Trippier’s injury has come at a bad time for Hall, it could be great timing for Targett. He is stepping up his bid to get back to full fitness, and the same goes for Anderson.