With multiple players already ruled out of Saturday’s FA Cup third-round derby match against Sunderland, Newcastle United is anxious about Kieran Trippier’s health.
Trippier’s groin problem kept him out of Monday’s 4-2 loss at Liverpool, but he might be back for the game at the Stadium of Light. Due to a calf issue, head coach Eddie Howe has already ruled Callum Wilson out of The Magpies’ next two games against The Black Cats and Manchester City. As a result, the 33-year-old is probably the only player expected to feature for The Magpies this weekend.
Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes, and Elliot Anderson’s longer-term injuries have “little chance” of getting better by the mid-January break. All three players have missed much of the season because of injuries, with Willock only being able to make three starts because of a hamstring problem and a recurrent Achilles injury.
With a stress fracture in his back, Anderson hasn’t played since October, and Barnes will miss a total of four months due to an odd foot injury sustained during the 8-0 victory against Sheffield United in September. Barnes left Leicester City in the summer for Newcastle for £38 million, but he has only made two starts.
After making his debut against Aston Villa in August, the 26-year-old scored and assisted, but he has since had a challenging time at the club. Shortly after the winger’s injury, the team decided against having surgery, although Howe has since indicated that if the player experiences any more setbacks, surgery might still be necessary.
At this point, surgery would run the danger of prematurely ending Barnes’ season. Newcastle is without five more players from Saturday’s derby in addition to the ones already named. Newcastle’s current injury/unavailable list, along with anticipated comeback dates, are shown here.
1. Harvey Barnes (foot injury)
Since suffering a foot injury against Sheffield United in September, Barnes has not made an appearance for the Magpies. Howe said that although the “unusual” injury did not require surgery, the former Leicester City player will be sidelined for “a number of months.” At first, it was anticipated that he would not return until sometime in the new year. The winger has been sidelined for at least a month due to a new setback.
2. Kieran Trippier (groin injury)
Due to a groin problem, Kieran Trippier was unable to play against Liverpool.
3. Joe Willock (Achilles injury)
Willock missed the victory over Chelsea due to a relapsed Achilles injury. Howe, who received injections, called the setback a “massive blow” and has subsequently been ruled out for an additional month.
4. Callum Wilson (calf injury)
Callum Wilson is hurt in his calf. Although it is not believed to be a significant problem, he might miss the next few games.