Kieran Trippier admits Newcastle United missed 'massive' £40m duo

Newcastle United’s frustrating start to the 2022-23 Premier League season has been no small part down to the injuries picked up by various key players.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Seven games into the league campaign and Newcastle have been draw specialists, winning just one match. Recent games have seen Eddie Howe’s side without key attacking players Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson due to injury.

Wilson scored two goals in three matches prior to picking up a hamstring injury against Manchester City while Saint-Maximin has a goal and three assists in four outings this season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Newcastle vice-captain Kieran Trippier – who missed a large chunk of last season with a fractured metatarsal – has featured in every game for the club so far this season.

Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace at St. James Park on September 03, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace at St. James Park on September 03, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace at St. James Park on September 03, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

While the England international feels that Wilson and Saint-Maximin are vitally important to the side, he believes in the strength and competition within the squad.

“You’ve seen Maxi the past couple of games he played before he got injured, he’s showed what he’s all about, so direct, so quick, he’s impossible to play against and I see it in training every day,” Trippier admitted.

“Callum as well is a natural goalscorer so they’re two massive players for us and they are a miss but we’ve got players who can step in. We’ve got a good group and good competition.”

Read More
Newcastle United midfielder reveals why he signed new contract amid Leeds United...
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Since the pair picked up their injuries, United have scored just twice in three matches with both goals coming from Alexander Isak, who is now facing a spell on the sidelines after returning from international duty injured.

"[Isak] has slotted in straight away in training and in games, it’s like he’s been here for ages but it’s about developing as a team," Trippier added.

"Hopefully he keeps scoring goals when he comes back – we might see Callum [at Fulham].”

The Magpies are down to the bare bones in attack with Chris Wood also picking up a rib injury whilst away with New Zealand.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Meanwhile, Bruno Guimaraes withdrew from the Brazil squad with a thigh issue though he is hoping to make Saturday’s Premier League trip to Fulham (3pm kick-off).

Wilson is also expected to return for the match at Craven Cottage while Saint-Maximin remains a doubt.