Medical expert: Newcastle star’s return could be ‘bigger than signing Trippier’
Paul Dummett’s return could be “as big ” as signing Kieran Trippier for Newcastle United if he can overcome his psychological barriers.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Dummett has played twice since returning from a serious calf injury that kept him for six months from July last year.
But the 30-year-old left-back was forced off after the hour mark during Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Leeds United last Saturday (22 January).
Per Chronicle Live later that day, Eddie Howe was unable to clarify the nature of the injury and claimed: “I’m not sure how serious that one is.”
Dinnery suggested that Dummett’s setback may be fatigue-related but that he may also have to overcome mental hurdles after so long on the sidelines.
“The initial prognosis was fairly optimistic,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“There’s a possibility that it could just be a little bit of fatigue and it’s just a precautionary measure.
“This was only his second start since coming back from injury. We can talk about the mechanics of the injury and whether his body is robust enough.
“But psychologically, when you’re talking about players who’ve had setbacks spanning several seasons, there are barriers to overcome there as well.
“When you’re feeling these niggles, you instantly assume the worst. Sometimes in the cold light of day, it may not be as severe as first thought.
“For me, he could be as big a signing as Kieran Tripper because he’s a good solid defender and exactly what Newcastle need.”
England right-back Trippier signed for Newcastle from Atletico Madrid for £12million earlier this month.
Newcastle are 18th in the league table as they prepare to face Everton in their first match after the winter break on 8 February.
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