Newcastle boss Eddie Howe provides concerning Kieran Trippier update ahead of West Ham

Eddie Howe held his latest pre-match press conference on Friday morning ahead of Newcastle’s clash with West Ham.

Newcastle will face off with the Hammers at the London Stadium in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off.

Ahead of the game, Howe would discuss a number of topics in his presser, including an update on Kieran Trippier, who picked up an injury in Newcastle’s win over Aston Villa last weekend.

And when speaking about Trippier on Friday, Howe would not put a time frame on the defender’s return, but called it a significant injury: “He had his operation yesterday and that went well so that was good news.

“We aim to have him back before the end of the season but it’s a significant injury which is a big blow for us.”

🎙️ Eddie Howe speaks to the media ahead of #WHUNEW.
On Kieran Trippier:
“He had his operation yesterday and that went well so that was good news. We aim to have him back before the end of the season but it’s a significant injury which is a big blow for us.” pic.twitter.com/GjJE61qhTO
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 18, 2022

Elsewhere on the Newcastle injury front, Howe had this to say: “(Javier) Manquillo went off in the same game after landing awkwardly on his ankle following a header.

“We don’t think that’s serious but he will miss the (West Ham) game. Apart from that, we’re as we were.”

Eddie Howe on injuries:
“(Javier) Manquillo went off in the same game after landing awkwardly on his ankle following a header. We don’t think that’s serious but he will miss the (West Ham) game. Apart from that, we’re as we were.” pic.twitter.com/Owx40qC1ih
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 18, 2022

West Ham vs Newcastle

West Ham head into the game on a pretty patchy run of form that has seen them win just two of their last five league ties.

As a result, the Hammers have slipped down to 5^th with all of the Europe-chasing sides below them having at least two games in hands.

Newcastle, on the other hand, have turned a serious corner in the last few weeks, suggesting the tie may be pretty close.

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The Magpies have won their last three Premier League games in a row, which makes for a stark contrast from their previous 20 league games this season, which they had won just one of.

Of course, losing Trippier is a big blow for the North East outfit, but they still likely feel more confident heading into this game than they would have two months ago.

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