Kieran Trippier drops very big hint over whether he will return for Newcastle vs West Ham tonight

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are hoping to have Kieran Trippier back from injury against West Ham United.

The Magpies have played five games without Kieran Trippier, with the 34-year-old suffering a hamstring injury in the build-up to the defeat to Brighton.

In his absence, Tino Livramento has started at right-back and played very well. Newcastle United have coped without Trippier, who had forced his way back into the starting XI before this injury layoff.

• READ MORE: Who is Kieran Trippier? Age, height, family, net worth

What Eddie Howe has said about Kieran Trippier returning vs West Ham

Eddie Howe previously stated that Trippier would return after the international break, and reinforced that message to the media during his pre-match press conference.

“He’s slightly closer than Callum [Wilson],” he said.

“He trained well yesterday and felt good. No ill effects, looked sharp. That was his first day of training so again, we’re in a similar position in that right at the end of the rehab you’ve got to navigate the last few days well.”

Kieran Trippier hints he will make Newcastle United comeback

Howe confirmed that Trippier is back in training, but would not confirm whether or not he would be involved in Monday night’s game against West Ham.

However, Trippier may now have hinted that he is going to feature at St James’ Park.

Ahead of the game, Trippier has posted an Instagram story to his official account previewing the game between Newcastle United and West Ham United. It is the type of post that players’ social media teams upload when their client is going to be involved.

Sean Longstaff and Miguel Almiron have posted similar on their accounts, and they are both in line to feature against West Ham.

Trippier’s Instagram story suggests that he will be too, as he was not posting those type of pictures during his injury absence.

Newcastle’s squad is getting stronger

It will be a huge boost to have Trippier back from injury. His presence should push Livramento to perform even better, as he will know that his place in the starting XI is no longer guaranteed.

It also means that Eddie Howe will have a stronger squad, which could be vital during a very busy period of the season.

This time last year, the Newcastle United manager barely had any options on the bench due to injury. It is a different story now, and the hope will be that Trippier is followed back into the squad by Callum Wilson.

The 32-year-old has also been out injured, having failed to play a single minute all season. However, there is a chance that Wilson could return against West Ham, and having him and Trippier on the bench would give Newcastle United even more confidence.