Newcastle United boss now says injured star will travel with the team to Stamford Bridge for Chelsea game

Eddie Howe says Kieran Trippier is determined not to be left behind and will travel with the rest of the squad to Stamford Bridge despite being ruled out of their next two games. The England full-back was forced off against Wolves last weekend, and will now miss matches against Chelsea and Manchester City next weekend in the FA Cup.

This season, Trippier is one of the highest-performing fullbacks in the league and he's created 10 goals and scored one himself. In a campaign that has generally been hampered by injuries to key players and a disappointing Champions League adventure, the former Tottenham man has been a breath of fresh air for the Magpies.

And in a show of real leadership and togetherness, Howe says Trippier will exhibit that you can play a role even if you're injured by travelling with the squad. He told reporters on Friday afternoon ahead of the game on Monday night: "A minor injury but the scan probably showed enough to probably keep him out for the next two games. Hopefully, he'll be back for the first game after the int break but that's not absolutely guaranteed.

"I think there's every chance he'll come to both away games. He's very keen to stay with the group and not become detached. That's a testament to his leadership." 

Pochettino faces anxious home fans in testing game

Mauricio Pochettino returns to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea fans knowing another disjointed performance could see the atmosphere turn toxic. The Blues boss is running out of time to win over a majority of the fanbase. At the weekend, a section of them turned on him, chanting for former manager Jose Mourinho. 

But he revealed being focused on the job, and determined to win over passionate fans with improved performances and results. He told reporters when asked if he was concerned about growing criticism towards his team. 

Pochettino said at Chelsea's Cobham training base in Surrey: "We need to improve in the way that we play and the result and try to change this feeling. Of course, we need our fans and I hope Monday the fans will be right behind us and helping the team during 90 minutes to win the game, that is so, so important for our players.

"But we need to accept. This is football. Maybe if I was a fan and I was on the stand, I would behave the same as them because it is Chelsea, we are not matching the expectation and that is why they are reacting in this way. We need to accept and be responsible for our performance. We need to work really hard to improve and win games. It's what we need to create to better relationship with our fans."

Chelsea haven't won a Premier League game at home since beating Fulham 1-0 in January, while Newcastle have not won back-to-back league games since the start of December, so this one is really on a knife edge.