Newcastle United blow as 'important' star could miss Chelsea and Arsenal, report claims

Newcastle United could be without experienced defender Kieran Trippier for upcoming fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal with murmurs from St James' Park suggesting the player may miss 'weeks' of action with a hamstring injury.

The 34-year-old was substituted after 71 minutes in the 0-0 draw against Everton last weekend. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid man was then seen walking cautiously when leaving Goodison Park, but without the aid of crutches or a protective boot.

The Chronicle now reports that club sources do fear that Trippier has suffered a hamstring strain which could result in 'a stint on the sidelines for weeks'. The Magpies medical team are still waiting for the injury to settle during the international break before confirming the severity of the problem.

Newcastle United face Chelsea and Arsenal

That news makes the full-back a doubt for Newcastle United's upcoming fixture against Brighton next weekend. Should a hamstring strain be confirmed, that would likely also rule Trippier out for the two fixtures with Chelsea and potentially the meeting with Arsenal at the start of the month.

The Tyneside outfit face the Blues twice before the end of October. Eddie Howe's men will travel to Stamford Bridge for the Premier League meeting on October 27 before welcoming Enzo Maresca's side to St James' Park days later on October 30 for the Carabao Cup round of 16.

Newcastle United then host Arsenal in the North East at the start of November. That fixture has proven particularly feisty in recent years with last season's clash sparking the VAR fury that followed Anthony Gordon's controversial goal in a 1-0 Magpies win.

Should Trippier, who has played in five of the side's seven top flight matches so far this season, be ruled out Howe will have to turn to Emil Krafth or Tino Livramento to fill that hole. The club has back-up at right back with question marks over Trippier's future.

The defender was linked with a summer transfer to Premier League clubs and to Saudi Pro League sides but ended up staying in the North East. Speaking about the injury worry on Saturday, Howe said: "He said he felt something but you're going off gestures and actions. He went down and felt his hamstring but I haven't spoken to him about that."

Eddie Howe - ‘You can’t underestimate Trippier’

Speaking about Trippier’s importance in September, Howe said: “You can’t underestimate what Kieran gives you. A lot has been said about the substitutes at half-time [vs Wolves], and they all had a positive impact on the game, but when Kieran came on, you could just feel his quality, whether that was his quality on the ball or his set-play delivery.

“Whatever aspect of his game transfers to the team, it makes a positive difference. We felt stronger when he came onto the field, certainly when we had the ball. I’m delighted with him. He looks fitter, and mentally, I think he’s in a good place. He’s got such an important part to play for us this season.”