Eddie Howe’s transfer decision is vindicated after concerning Newcastle injury admission

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Eddie Howe has provided a worrying injury update on Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier.

The 35-year-old missed Newcastle United’s win over Manchester City with a hamstring problem, resulting in Tino Livramento having to play the full 90 minutes on his return from injury.

The 23-year-old’s comeback could not have come at a better time, with Eddie Howe unsure when Kieran Trippier will be available to play again.

Speaking ahead of Newcastle United’s Champions League game against Marseille, Howe said: “We are not quite sure how long he [Trippier] is out.”

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

Newcastle United are right to keep Emil Krafth amid Kieran Trippier injury

Trippier’s injury makes it all the more important that Livramento is fit and available again, while it reinforces exactly why Newcastle want to keep Emil Krafth at the club.

The Swedish defender has been attracting January transfer interest from Copenhagen, but it has been reported that the Magpies do not want to lose him.

That stance will only have grown stronger following this update on Trippier, with Emil Krafth once again needed to provide cover at right-back.

While he will never be a regular starter again for Newcastle United, Krafth really is a valuable member of the squad. He is incredibly reliable and versatile, which is exactly why Howe wants to keep him at St James’ Park.

With Trippier injured and Livramento still building his fitness back up, fans should expect to see more of Krafth in the coming weeks.

Kieran Trippier news puts Tino Livramento under huge pressure

Newcastle United were so much better on Saturday with Livramento and Lewis Hall back in the starting XI. They can be transformative players for the Magpies, but only if they stay fit.

• Who is Tino Livramento? All you need to know about Newcastle United’s flying full-back

That will be easier said than done, with Hall coming off against Man City with cramp. After his injury problems, he cannot be expected to play every minute of every game.

The same goes for Livramento, who was forced to play the full game on Saturday. The England international was one of Newcastle’s best players, but looked absolutely shattered by the time the full-time whistle blew.

With Trippier out, Livramento will quickly get used to starting for Newcastle again. He is going to have to, as starting Krafth is not a long-term solution given his offensive shortcomings.

Livramento has only been back for one game, yet already he is under huge pressure to remain fit.