Kieran Trippier will return to the Newcastle training ground earlier than expected after his foot surgery, with a delighted Eddie Howe confirming he will have a role to play even while recovering.
The Lowdown: Trippier on Tyneside
The England international has undoubtedly been the star of the show since signing for the Magpies in January, scoring twice in four top-flight appearances.
According to Whoscored, Trippier is the highest-rated player in the squad in Premier League matches this season, hardly a surprise given he is also winning over two aerial duels per game, making 3.5 tackles per game and creating 1.5 chances per match.
Of course, the news he will miss most of the rest of the season after fracturing the fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot is devastating, but Howe seemed in good spirits when delivering the latest on Friday.
The Latest: Howe expects ‘big impact’
Speaking in his pre-West Ham press conference, the boss claimed the surgery ‘went well’ and called it ‘good news’ (via Ben Dinnery) before revealing the 31 year-old will actually be back at Darsley Park very soon.
Ciaran Kelly of The Chronicle shared Howe’s comments that Trippier will have a role at the training ground, with the manager saying: “We’ve had a conversation about that.
“That’s the first thing we discussed. That’s the type of person he is. He wants to make a difference, he wants to help & he wants to lead so he’ll have a big impact.”
The Verdict: Proper leader
Howe is clearly happy with Trippier’s mentality to get back involved with the team as soon as possible, and it’s that sort of competitive spirit that has endeared the former Atletico Madrid star to the Toon Army so quickly.
Indeed, with Jamaal Lascelles still a doubt, the Magpies are lacking for leaders at the back, and Trippier has proven to be exactly that even in his short time on Tyneside, with Callum Wilson saying the January arrival has effectively become a new vice-captain.
While it is still reportedly ‘touch and go’ whether Trippier actually returns to the pitch this season, his influence in the dressing room could go a long way to helping the rest of the squad stave off relegation, ensuring the new era is well and truly underway once he is fully fit next season.