Journalist Dean Jones has pointed out a worry as Newcastle United look to avoid relegation this season.
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The last few games have lifted the mood. Three consecutive wins against Leeds United, Everton and Aston Villa have taken Eddie Howe’s team four points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand on Norwich City.
As Gary Neville pointed out when speaking after the Villa win at St James’ Park, the whole mood of the club has been lifted following the takeover and the rebirth of players like Joelinton and Joe Willock, as well as the form of the new signings, have completely transformed the feeling around the team.
Still, Kieran Trippier’s injury is a worry. The first talisman of the PIF era, his lengthy absence will invariably have an impact on how the team operate over the next few weeks.
What did Dean Jones say about Trippier?
Speaking on this week’s episode of the Touchline Talk Podcast, Jones talked of a worry as to Trippier’s fitness. Clearly, a broken foot is an impact injury and not necessarily one that could have been predicted, although it does point to a wider concern.
“Even before he came in, I was concerned about whether he could stay fit all season,” he said from the 13:14 mark onwards.
“The type of injury he’s actually picked, you couldn’t have predicted but he’d completed seven La Liga games in fourth months. He came to the Premier League and already had like three in the bag straight away.”
How many games did Trippier miss for Atletico?
Transfermarkt data notes that Trippier missed five games earlier this season with a shoulder injury, although his overall durability was a worry.
Indeed, he only played the entirety of a La Liga game on six occasions prior to his exit before suddenly being thrust into a Newcastle team from the off during a particularly busy time of the season. At 31, that has to be a concern.
A wonderful signing and a hugely important figure, it is something worth considering.
