Kieran Trippier has shared his verdict on needing to step up following Tino Livramento’s injury at Newcastle United.
Livramento will miss around eight weeks of action for Newcastle United after suffering a knee injury against Arsenal.
While that is a huge blow for Newcastle, it’s better than what would have been initially feared when Livramento was stretchered off at St James’ Park.
The England international will hope to return towards the end of 2025 and, luckily for Newcastle, they have the hugely experienced Trippier in the squad.
At 35, there may be some doubts as to whether the former England international can keep up with Newcastle’s relentless fixture schedule, however.
Still, Trippier has sent a promising message on that front.
Kieran Trippier pleased to play so much football at Newcastle United
Even before Livramento’s injury, the former Tottenham and Atletico Madrid defender had been a fixture in Eddie Howe’s first team.
While he struggled for game time in the first half of last season, Lewis Hall’s foot injury brought Trippier back into the side.
He was excellent in the Carabao Cup final and largely kept his place in the team from that point onwards, with Livramento moved to left-back to cover for Hall’s absence.
So far this season, Trippier has started six games heading into Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest. During the 2024/25 campaign, he only started a total of 19 games.
In a message posted on the Newcastle United official website, Trippier said: “It was really good news that Tino Livramento’s injury isn’t as bad as first feared, and that he will be back relatively soon.
“We play in the same position, but I’ve had competition throughout my whole career and we always help and support each other. I wish him all the best in his recovery and I’m pleased it’s not a long-term injury.
“At the age of 35, I feel the fittest I’ve ever felt. There are so many games, and you have to be ready to take every opportunity. I’m enjoying my football.
“I was happy to get minutes in midweek and long may it continue.”
Eddie Howe’s verdict on Kieran Trippier after Tino Livramento injury
Howe has always been a huge advocate of Trippier’s, even when the defender was struggling at times in the 2023/24 season.
The first signing of the PIF era, he has been a remarkable addition to the Newcastle United squad.
As such, it’s perhaps of little surprise that the Newcastle United manager was full of praise for Trippier before the Forest game.
Asked about the importance of having such a player available, Howe said: “That’s the beauty of the squad we have.
“Hopefully, this year, it will make a difference for us. We’ve some real depth in the defensive areas of the squad this year and we’re going to need that with the competitions and the games that we have.
“So, yes, Tino’s injury is a big blow for us because of his versatility, his athleticism, his quality. But then, when Kieran comes in and plays like he did and the way that he did on Wednesday night, was great to see.
“I’ve spoken many times about the values that he brings the squad, the experience that he has, the quality he has on the ball. He’s a big, big player.”
Geordie Boot Boys understands that Newcastle are considering offering Trippier a new contract, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.
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