March 08, (THEWILL)- Newcastle United have been dealt a setback in their pursuit of UEFA Champions League qualification, after manager, Eddie Howe, confirmed that key defender, Kieran Trippier, will miss the club’s next two matches due to a minor injury. The England international is also likely to sit out the national team’s friendly fixtures later this month.
The 32-year-old right-back, who has been an integral part of Newcastle’s impressive campaign, sustained the unspecified injury during the Magpies’ recent English Premier League tie versus Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Howe provided an update on the situation during his pre-match press conference on Friday: “Unfortunately, Kieran Trippier has picked up a niggle that will keep him out of action for our next two games. t’s nothing too serious, but we don’t want to risk aggravating the issue by rushing him back prematurely.”
Trippier’s absence will undoubtedly be a blow for Newcastle, who are locked in a tight race for a top-four finish and a coveted UCL spot. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid defender has been a consistent performer for the Tyneside club, contributing both defensively and in an attacking sense.
“Kieran has been a key player for us this season, but we have a strong squad, and this presents an opportunity for someone else to step up,” Howe added. “We’ll monitor his progress closely, and we’re hopeful of having him back in contention after the international break.”
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
