Eddie Howe hints at which Newcastle United player will replace Kieran Trippier against West Ham

Eddie Howe is set to turn to Emil Krafth to fill the right-back void left by Kieran Trippier and Javier Manquillo.

Full-backs Trippier and Manquillo both limped out of Newcastle United’s 1-0 win against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Trippier, whose free-kick proved to be the winner, suffered a broken foot which is likely to rule him out until the final few games of the season.

Meanwhile, it was initially feared Manquillo had ankle ligament damage but has been ruled out for two weeks.

The Spaniard will miss Saturday afternoon’s trip to West Ham United and then push to be fit for the visit to Brentford seven days later.

However, how soon Manquillo returns to the starting XI will be dependent on Krafth, who, it seems, will be handed a chance to impress.

Eddie Howe full of praise for Emil Krafth

“From starting to work with Emil,” Howe told NewcastleWorld. “I really liked him as a person and as a player.

“You go back to the Manchester United game, I thought he was outstanding for us, both defensively and offensively.

“He’s a really, really good athlete and he’s a very good defender. “I’m delighted with Emil and delighted to have him in the squad.

“It’s a good opportunity for him now to have a consistent run in the team.”

This is Emil Krafth’s chance to impress

Supporters remain unconvinced by Howe’s credentials as a Premier League defender but now is the time to get behind him.

A potential formation change was discussed on social media - switching to five at the back and seeing either Ryan Fraser or Jacob Murphy start at right wing-back.

But Howe will not want to rock the boot with a system change. His 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 formation has brought three consecutive wins.

Howe was right to point out that Krafth performed well in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United on December 27, and that must be repeated in games to come.

Failure to do so and fans will be calling for Manquillo to come back into the starting XI at the earliest opportunity.