Kieran Trippier passed fit to face Aston Villa following Newcastle United injury scare

Kieran Trippier has been passed fit to face Aston Villa in this afternoon’s Premier League clash at St James’ Park.

The England right-back limped out of Newcastle United’s 3-1 win versus Everton in stoppage time on Tuesday evening with a “slight calf injury”.

It came after the 31-year-old capped off a flawless defensive performance by curling an 80th-minute free-kick past former Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

There were concerns Trippier would be unavailable to feature against Villa after Eddie Howe revealed a “late call” would be made over his fitness.

“We don’t think it’s a long-term injury but we’ll have to make a late call on him for this game,” Howe said on Friday morning.

“He’s been so important for us in recent games. He was outstanding against Everton, highlighted by his free-kick - brilliant execution.

“It’d be a big blow to lose him but we’ll wait and see.”

Kieran Trippier fit to face Aston Villa

And NewcastleWorld understands Trippier is in line to start against Steven Gerrard’s Villa, with the match kicking off at 2pm.

On Trippier’s impact since signing from Atletico Madrid for £12million in January, 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.”

Javier Manquillo is set to start at left-back with Matt Targett, on loan from Aston Villa, ineligible to face his former club.

A third consecutive Premier League victory for Howe’s side today would see them open up a four-point advantage on the relegation places.