Eddie Howe drops Kieran Trippier hint at Newcastle United - and provides Callum Wilson update

Kieran Trippier could be back in action for Newcastle United very soon after Eddie Howe revealed the right-back is “slightly ahead of schedule”.

The £12million January signing from Atletico Madrid has been sidelined since mid-February after fracturing the fifth metatarsal in his left foot.

It left Trippier on crutches and wearing a protective boot, however the 31-year-old has been on an upward curve since stepping up his recovery last month.

Trippier has undergone some intensive individual training - as captured on the player’s Instagram this week - and is on course to return in the next few weeks.

Howe on Trippier

“Kieran, I think, is very slightly ahead of schedule,” Howe said ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash at home to Leicester. “He’s beginning to run back on the grass with his boots on, so that’s a great sign for us.

“He’s still got to build up his fitness and everything that comes with that but he’s in a good place.”

Meanwhile, Magpies top scorer Callum Wilson is also doing well in his recovery from a calf injury that has kept him out since December 27.

What about Wilson?

“Callum’s the same,” Howe continued. Callum is hitting balls towards the goal, no goalkeeper in at the moment, only mannequins!

“But he’s gradually building up to where he wants to be which is great to see.

“Personally, they’re OK because they’re both in a good place. They’re both improving in line with probably what we expected.”

Although both players are progressing well, Howe refused to provide a potential return date, although the end of April has been reported previously.

No dates at the moment,” Howe admitted. “No games identified. It’s more we just want them to feel good within themselves. But they’re both improving.”