Newcastle United had been anticipating the return of vice-captain Kieran Trippier to the squad shortly after the last international break. However, despite five games having passed since then, Trippier remains absent.
The mystery surrounding Trippier’s absence was addressed in today’s match program, shedding light on his situation. The 33-year-old has been sidelined since the beginning of March due to a calf injury, which was initially believed to be minor. However, with today’s match against Sheffield United marking the seventh game he’s missed, it’s clear the recovery process has taken longer than expected.
While the exact timeline for Trippier’s return remains uncertain, there is a glimmer of hope as he has not been ruled out for the remainder of the season like five other players. In an interview excerpt from the program shared by journalist Jordan Cronin, Trippier emphasized the importance of taking extra precautions to avoid setbacks in his recovery process.
The absence of Trippier’s leadership has been felt keenly by the team, particularly in the wake of an unexpected defeat to Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. With just five games remaining in the season and European qualification still within reach, the pressure is mounting on Newcastle to perform.
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Although Newcastle’s run-in appears relatively favorable on paper, with only a daunting fixture against Manchester United at Old Trafford looming, the competition from other clubs vying for European spots adds to the intensity of the situation.
The return of Kieran Trippier to the squad would undoubtedly provide a significant boost in the final games, where his leadership has been sorely missed. As Newcastle strives to secure a place in Europe next season, the hope is that Trippier’s return will help propel the team towards achieving this monumental feat after the challenges faced throughout the campaign.
