Newcastle United receive ‘massive boost’ despite Manchester City hammering

Eddie Howe says it was a ‘massive boost’ to welcome Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson back onto the pitch against Manchester City.

The Newcastle United duo were both previously long-term injuries but completed their respective returns at the home of the Premier League champions.

Wilson had been sidelined with a calf injury since December, while Trippier hadn’t played since February after fracturing the fifth metatarsal in his left foot.

Both players were introduced on 68 minutes as United conceded two late goals to lose 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

Wilson himself was unlucky not to get onto the scoresheet after being denied by Ederson in a one-v-one situation.

Asked about their performances, Howe said: “They showed what they can give us when they came on.

“Kieran immediately put two or three brilliant crosses into the box, real quality from the wide areas and Callum had his one-v-one and his chance from Maxi’s cross. He looked bright as well.

“They actually contributed to probably our best spell in the game immediately when they came onto the pitch.”

The pair will hope to play against Arsenal and Burnley before the 2021/22 Premier League season comes to end.

“(It’s a) massive boost for everyone connected to Newcastle to see them back,” Howe continued. “They are two huge players for us and we have missed them, albeit the players in their absence stepped up fantastically well and I have to compliment the full squad in that.

“Yeah, great to have them both back.”