'I feel good': Yet another Chelsea blow as injured Newcastle star hints of return ahead of Monday night

Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier is hoping to be fit for the trip to Chelsea next week after confirming his calf was 'feeling good' despite the injury scare. The defender is a doubt for the game after limping off against Wolves. 

He reveals he's spoken to the manager about his fitness but will leave it open till the game to see if he will be ready to play a part. He said on Sunday after he picked up his FWA North East Footballer of the Year Award.

"I just felt something in my calf and I don't want to take any risks or anything. I had a good chat with the manager but I won't know anything until [Monday]. 

"My calf is feeling good but you know scan results can say anything, but most importantly I'm feeling positive."

The England defender is one of the leaders of the Newcastle United team but he was at fault as Chelsea beat them to progress in the League Cup when they last visited Stamford Bridge, giving away the ball which Mykhailo Mudryk scored to force penalty kicks. 

He was also one of the players to have missed their spot-kick which meant Chelsea progressed and United crashed. Chelsea go into the game in search of a win after they could only manage a point against Brentford last weekend. 

There is pressure mounting on manager Mauricio Pochettino to at least secure European football for next season. Last season, they finished 12th on the league table and have been stuck at 11th for most of this campaign.