Kieran Trippier may have passed a late fitness test and fired us to a 1-0 win over Aston Villa, but it looks like he’ll be facing a race against time for Saturday’s trip to West Ham.
Eddie Howe has confirmed that the England international had to go to hospital for an x-ray soon after being forced off in the 48th minute.
He ‘got stamped on’ during the game and was unable to continue, leaving the NUFC boss hoping he’s not suffered any broken bone in his foot after he returned to St James’ Park on crutches (see photos below).
Elsewhere, Howe fears Javier Manquillo has suffered ankle ligament damage after falling awkwardly just before half-time, meaning the Spaniard was replaced by Paul Dummett before the break.
Here’s what Howe’s had to say on all of the above, followed by photos of Kieran Trippier on crutches following a visit to hospital after the game:
“Lascelles was illness. Manquillo landed awkwardly on his ankle so we think that’s a ligament problem.
“Trippier got stamped on. He couldn’t continue with the problem on the top of his foot.
“He’s gone for an x-ray. Everything is crossed there’s no broken bone.”
Fingers crossed both haven’t suffered anything serious, with one our match winner and star man, and the other becoming a dependable option down either flank since Howe’s arrival.
Should both miss out against West Ham, we could see Matt Targett and Emil Krafth start at the London Stadium on Saturday.
