Opponent Watch: Newcastle boss gives injury update on two key players for Liverpool clash

Eddie Howe gives fitness update on Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson ahead of Newcastle United vs Liverpool clash

Speaking in his pre-match presser as quoted by The Shields Gazette, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe sheds light on the fitness of Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson ahead of their fixture against Liverpool.

The Magpies have seen a huge upturn in their form ever since the arrival of Howe. The former Bournemouth manager was backed heavily in the January transfer window. The Toons, who were fighting a relegation battle in the first half of the season, now sit comfortably in 9th position on the Premier League table.

The Tyneside-based club have now bagged four victories on the trot in the PL and head into this match with some fine form. That being said, Howe’s men may have to face the Reds without two of their main players.

The 44-year-old manager highlighted that Kieran and Callum were getting close to match fitness but may not be ready to play this weekend.

“Kieran and Callum are getting closer. I don’t think they’ll be ready for this week, but, Kieran, we’ve seen on the grass, and trained with us one session. Callum’s not quite there yet, but he’s edging closer and doing a lot of work with the sports science team. We definitely won’t rush them back, and we won’t put them at risk, but if they’re fit and available, we’ll use them like any other player.”

Fitness issues at St James’ Park

Many people would have written off Newcastle United during the initial stages of the season but their recent form has seen them propel towards the top half of England’s top-flight table. The Merseysiders also had an indifferent patch in the middle where they trailed Manchester City by 12 points but are now only a point behind the current league leaders.

Hence, both teams have seen somewhat of an upturn in their fortunes towards the business end of the season. While Toons could potentially miss the likes of Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson, the Anfield outfit would also be sweating over the fitness of Roberto Firmino, who missed the latest UEFA Champions League tie against Villarreal due to a foot injury.

Liverpool could also be without Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas who are currently suffering from bouts of illness. There isn’t any confirmation as of yet if the duo are suffering from Covid-19. That being said, we have the required personnel to fill in these positions.

The Magpies have also become akin to snatching up victories and we hope that the Reds can break their momentum. Howe’s men will then take on Man City in their next fixture in the Prem.

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The absence of Trippier and Wilson could be an added advantage for Jurgen Klopp and his side, especially as we take on a resurgent Newcastle United. The fans would nonetheless be looking for an exciting performance, to which we have become so accustomed in the recent past.

If the duo doesn’t feature against the Reds, our fans would certainly want them back in contention for when Newcastle take on Manchester City. The Magpies can really change the course of this title race if they can take some points off the Cityzens next month.