'Don't want' - Newcastle United star makes injury admission after being ruled out for eight weeks

Newcastle United right-back Kieran Trippier admits he has been taking “extra precautions” in his comeback from a calf injury.

The 33-year-old hasn’t played for eight weeks after he was forced off during the 3-0 win at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on March 3.

Trippier has been sidelined for longer than first anticipated - missing eight games in total - with the player revealing his reluctance to rush himself back in case of a re-injury.

Indeed, the former Tottenham Hotspur full-back’s thoughts go beyond Newcastle’s remaining four Premier League games with Euro 2024 taking place in Germany this summer. Given his age, that is likely to be Trippier’s final major tournament with England.

Providing an update in Saturday’s matchday programme, Trippier explained: “I’ve had a calf issue and at this stage of the season, and with the amount of games I’ve played, we need to take extra precautions. It’s important that there are no setbacks - I don’t want to come back and re-injure myself, so I’m just ticking every box.

“But the main thing is that the team has been winning games, and I’ll be back soon to help them try and secure European qualification.”

Eddie Howe’s side have coped reasonably well without Trippier with Tino Livramento and Emil Krafth stepping in.

Since the March international break, Newcastle have won four, drew one and lost one - a run of form that has propelled them back into European qualification contention.

United travel to Burnley on Saturday before hosting Brighton and Hove Albion at St James’ Park. During the final week of the season, the Magpies visit Manchester United and Brentford.

As well as Trippier, Howe is set welcome back Nick Pope, Joelinton and Miguel Almiron before the end of the campaign to help get the club over the line.

“Since I’ve been at the club, we’ve always finished the season strongly and gathered momentum in the final 10 games or so,” Trippier added. “And it will help that we should have several players coming back from injury - that always gives the squad a boost, seeing big players back.”

Finishing 6th in the Premier League table guarantees European qualification while 7th - where Newcastle currently sit - will also become an entry into Europe if Manchester City lift the FA Cup, or Manchester United do and finish in the top seven.