Eddie Howe confirms huge Newcastle United injury blow ahead of Chelsea clash

Newcastle United will be without Kieran Trippier for Monday's trip to Chelsea after the defender suffered a calf issue against Wolves last weekend.

Trippier was forced off in the 52nd-minute of Newcastle's 3-0 win over Wolves on Saturday, having gone down under no contact and received on-pitch medical attention. The 33-year-old has been almost ever-present on the right of the Magpies' back-line, with only Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar racking up more Premier League minutes.

Newcastle have only won three of their last 10 games in the league during what has been a difficult period. That has partly been down to some key absences and Eddie Howe has now lost one of his most experienced generals.

“Kieran is not too bad, it's a minor injury but the scan showed enough to probably keep him out for the next two games,” Howe told reporters on Friday. “We hope he'll be back for the first game after the international break although that's not absolutely guaranteed. I think there's every chance he'll come to both games. He's very keen to stay with the group and not become detached. That highlights his leadership qualities.”

The absence of Trippier means a familiar face will likely walk out in black and white at Stamford Bridge, with Tino Livramento replacing the England international last weekend and expected to do so from the off come Monday. Livramento rose through the Chelsea academy after joining at under-nine level but was sold to Southampton in 2021, moving up to Newcastle two years later.

"I think it is a brilliant start to his [Livramento’s] Newcastle career, he has handled himself really well," Howe said of the former Blue. "His goal against Wolves last week showed his running ability and his technical ability and it has been the ideal introduction to his return to playing after his injury.

"He had a serious knee injury and a hamstring issue which kept him out and we had to look after him. How the season has gone it has been an ideal introduction and he has a very exciting future ahead of him. hopefully."

Newcastle will also be without injured trio Callum Wilson (chest), Joelinton (thigh) and Nick Pope (shoulder) while Sandro Tonali remains suspended after admitting to breaching the Italian FA's betting rules.