Kieran Trippier: Pundit makes ‘massive’ behind-the-scenes claim after ‘huge’ Newcastle blow
Newcastle United have been dealt a “huge” blow with Kieran Trippier ruled out through injury, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the 31-year-old has already had a “massive” impact behind the scenes at St James’ Park since joining in January.
As confirmed by the club on Monday (14 February), Trippier fractured his fifth metatarsal bone in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa and the Telegraph claim he has already undergone surgery.
As detailed by Football Insider’s injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries website, the average return-to-play rate for those who have gone under the knife for the same injury is around 80 days.
Hutton hailed Trippier’s immediate impact at St James’ Park, both on and off the pitch.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I can’t actually believe that people were questioning the signing when it first popped up he was going to be the first signing of the new era.
“All football people knew his quality and what he was going to bring to that team. Probably the little bit that I didn’t realise was his ability to just come straight in right away.
“I mean, he was the captain the other day. That shows you how big he is within the dressing room already. He’s a massive character, he’s been there seen it and done it.
“A lot of the players probably take confidence from him being in the team. They know he can produce from corners, free-kicks, his delivery into the box is second to none.
“He will be a huge miss, it’s a huge blow. He has been a huge part of the turnaround and how quickly it has happened. So for him to be sitting out for a long period of time is not going to help.
“But I’m sure he’ll be there in the background, doing his bit to keep them going.”
Trippier scored free-kicks in Newcastle’s last two games.
The Magpies visit West Ham on Saturday afternoon.
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