Eddie Howe reassures Newcastle United fans over Kieran Trippier’s injury

Eddie Howe is confident Newcastle United can cope without Kieran Trippier and see through their Premier League survival mission.

The England right-back is set to miss the majority of the season after fracturing the fifth metatarsal in his left foot during the recent win against Aston Villa.

At best, it is hoped Trippier can return for the final month of the campaign where the Magpies take on Manchester City, Arsenal and Burnley.

The same goes for top scorer Callum Wilson, who has been ruled out since December with a calf injury.

‘Everyone has to give more’

When asked if the pair’s absence is terminal to their survival chances, Howe said on Friday: “I wouldn’t be sat here in the way that I am if I felt that anything was terminal.

“No one player makes the team, it’s collective and I think now with Kieran’s injury, we have to step up and give more. Everyone has to give more.

“I’ve had that plenty of times in my management career. You’re always going to lose key players at big times but it’s the response from the squad which is the most important thing.

“I’ve seen enough in the group to know that we’re in a good place. I think we’ve had a confidence lift from the way we’ve played and I don’t expect that to change.”

‘Big impact even when he’s not playing’

Trippier, who captained Newcastle against Aston Villa on just his fifth game for Newcastle, has made a huge impact on and off the pitch.

Although the 31-year-old is sidelined, Howe believes Trippier still has a huge role to play via his leadership qualities.

“He’s a positive person,” Howe said.

“I think he was probably aware after the game that there was going to be an issue. He just had this gut feeling.

“Straight away, his reaction to that wasn’t one of head down or take himself away in isolation, he was very positive and was giving off good energy around the players.

“That’s been him since day one. The energy and positivity around him is infectious and it’s definitely affected the people he’s been around, hence a really positive reaction from the squad.

“He wants to make a difference, wants to help and lead, so he’ll have a big impact even when he’s not playing.”

Allan Saint-Maximin and Javier Manquillo missed the 1-1 draw at West Ham United on Saturday but neither are long-term injury concerns.