Major Newcastle United boost as Eddie Howe drops Kieran Trippier return hint ahead of Liverpool

Kieran Trippier has returned to training ahead of Newcastle United’s clash with Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.

However, Magpies boss Eddie Howe says it is unlikely he’ll be involved against Jurgen Klopp’s quadruple chasing side.

The England right-back has been sidelined since mid-February after fracturing the fifth metatarsal in his left foot.

But the 31-year-old is on course to play again this season - possibly even against Manchester City next Sunday - after taking part in a training session this week.

Callum Wilson is also edging closer to a return but Howe warned that United’s top scorer is “not quite there” as he recoveries from a calf injury picked up in December.

‘They’re getting closer’

Asked about the injury situation, Howe said: “No fresh problems. Kieran and Callum, they’re getting closer.

“I don’t think they’ll be ready for this week but Kieran, we’ve seen on the grass and has trained with us one session.

“Callum’s not quite there yet but he’s edging closer and doing a lot of hard work with the sports science team.”

With Newcastle safe from Premier League relegation ahead of the remaining four fixtures against Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal and Burnley, Howe was asked if there was a temptation to keep the pair fresh for next season.

‘If they’re feeling available then we’ll use them’

Howe replied: “We definitely won’t rush them back and we won’t put them at risk but if they’re feeling available then we’ll use them like we would with any other player.

“They’ve had targets, they’ve set themselves goals to hit, I think it’s important when you’re long-term injured that you have those things. That’s helped them get back at the speed they have.

“We’ll take it on an individual basis and try and make the right decisions.”