Paul Merson says he ‘can’t really express’ how big a blow it is for Newcastle United to have lost Kieran Trippier to injury.
The Magpies recorded their third straight win at the weekend, beating Aston Villa 1-0 in the Premier League.
It was Trippier who got the goal, converting a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area.
That was just before half-time, and the 31-year-old would then only last a minute into the second-half before he had to come off.
It has since transpired that Trippier has suffered a fracture of his fifth metatarsal bone.
The January signing from Atletico Madrid is now looking at around six weeks out, and it is a hammer blow for the Magpies.
Since his arrival, Trippier has shown his quality at every turn.
Defensively he has been solid, and the star has already bagged a couple of goals for his new club.
Newcastle will now look to keep their good form going without the England star. But Merson reckons it is a nightmare development for Eddie Howe.
He said (via Sky Sports): “It’s a massive blow for Newcastle to be losing Kieran Trippier but they’ve now got to kick on. His two goals have been massive but it’s also his experience on the pitch and in the dressing room.
“I can’t really express just how big a blow losing Trippier is for Newcastle.
“He’s an international who has played in big games over his career so he’ll be a miss. He’s the type of player who wouldn’t let things get slack now all of a sudden they’ve got a few points on the board.
An awful development for Newcastle as Trippier joins Wilson on the sidelines with metatasal injury
The injury news about Trippier is devastating.
Yes, Newcastle made some good additions last month, and Howe has managed to generate some momentum for the team.
But Trippier has already shown just what a massive difference he makes to the starting XI.
He’s a solid defender, but also a goal threat.
And as Merson suggests, he is someone who will ensure high standards. Howe would not have made him captain on the weekend if that wasn’t the case.
Hopefully whoever comes in to cover for him can step up.
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