While Rafa Benitez’s happiness at Newcastle United has once again been called into question, there is the small matter of kicking off the Premier League campaign next week.
Indeed, Tottenham Hotspur travel back up to St. James’ Park over a year after their 5-1 humbling following the Toon’s relegation, though the idea of seeing a similar scoreline on Sunday is unlikely.
Still, the Magpies may have been handed a boost ahead of Spurs’ visit. During their pre-season victory over Juventus, Kieran Trippier picked up an injury and limped off at Wembley, just a week before their trip to the North East.
He then left the national stadium on crutches and wearing a protective boot.
Now, describing an injury to an opposition player as a ‘boost’ may leave a sour taste in the mouth, though there’s little doubt Tottenham would be rather weakened by the England international’s absence, having sold Kyle Walker to Manchester City already.
Mauricio Pochettino revealed he ‘cannot guess if he will be ready for Newcastle’ at the present moment (quotes sourced by the Guardian) and his options at right-back are barely numerous.
Kyle Walker-Peters could deputise, though has little experience at a senior level and you’d back Jacob Murphy to fancy his chances against the youngster.
Thoughts?
