Newcastle United face double selection blow against Aston Villa with late call expected on Kieran Trippier

Kieran Trippier could miss Newcastle United’s clash with Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon with a calf injury.

The 31-year-old limped off in stoppage time after starring in the 3-1 win over Everton in midweek.

Trippier capped off a flawless defensive display by converting an 80th-minute free-kick past ex-Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

It was three points that lifted the Magpies out of the Premier League relegation zone for the first time since early October.

But that could come at a cost with concern Trippier could miss the visit of Steven Gerrard’s Villa.

‘We’ll make a late call’

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

“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.”

Selection dilemmas in both full-back positions

Should Trippier miss the game, it’ll mean Newcaste will be without both full-backs that started against Everton.

Matt Targett, on loan from Aston Villa for the remainder of the season, is ineligible to face his parent club.

Both Targett and Trippier played a key role in the victory over Frank Lampard’s Toffees.

Who could replace the pair?

At right-back, Newcastle could turn to Javier Manquillo, Emil Krafth or possibly Jacob Murphy.

Manquillo could also be considered as a candidate to replace Targett at left-back, as well as £13million January signing Dan Burn.

Geordie defender Burn was signed as a central defender but has played a lot of his career at left-back.

Paul Dummett will also be assessed ahead of Sunday with the 30-year-old edging closer to returning from a hamstring problem.