Kieran Trippier isn’t the only Newcastle United player facing race to be fit for Aston Villa clash

Eddie Howe will make a “late check” on Paul Dummett ahead of Sunday afternoon’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

The Geordie left-back was ruled out of the 3-1 victory against Everton in midweek due to a hamstring injury sustained in the win at Leeds United, 17 days prior.

The visit to Elland Road was only Dummett’s second appearance of the campaign having missed the opening 20 matches through a calf injury.

Dummett has barely trained since then but Howe believes the 30-year-old is edging closer to a return.

Indeed, Howe will check on Dummett’s availability ahead of facing Villa with left-back Matt Targett ineligible to play against his parent club.

Late check on Paul Dummett ahead of Sunday

Asked about the left-back situation, Howe said: “He (Dan Burn) is an option for us.

“It’s great that I’ve got a couple of choices to make in that position.

“(Javier) Manquillo has done really, really well at left-back. He came on against Leeds and made a huge impact. He’s got the versatility to play both sides.

“We’ll have to make a late check on Paul Dummett to see where he is physically but it’s good to have the choice.”

And the same goes for Kieran Trippier.

Should Dummett win his race for fitness, he will come under contention to replace Targett along with Javier Manquillo and Dan Burn.

Indeed, Manquillo may be required to fill in at right-back with Howe set to make a late call on Kieran Trippier.

Trippier, scorer of United’s third in the win over Everton, limped off in stoppage time with a calf injury.

The England international has been a revelation since his £12million move from Atletico Madrid, so his absence would be a huge blow for Newcastle.

Talking about Trippier’s impact, Howe said: “He instantly caught the lads’ respect straight away, just by his demeanor, how he approaches training and his leadership skills.

“He was very vocal early on when he came in when speaking to the group but also his performances have spoken for themselves.

“He’s determined to be a success in whatever he does. He’s got a winners mentality to everything.

“He’s been a key person for us in our uplift in the team’s fortunes really. I can’t speak highly enough of him and long may that continue.”