Ahead of their league cup tie against Crystal Palace tonight, Newcastle United have received a potential boost over their star duo Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier.
Taking to Tuesday morning’s pre-match press conference, boss Eddie Howe issued an update on the pair, with Wilson subbed at half-time and Trippier seemingly enduring a hamstring problem just before the break.
The pair are the only slight concerns heading into tonight’s affair, though Howe has cleared doubts, saying this via Newcastle United’s official website:
“There’s no problems with Kieran. It always looks more than it is when the physio comes onto the pitch but he came out second-half and he was fine. As I said after the game it was my decision to take him off,” Howe said of Trippier.
On Wilson’s status heading into the tie, the boss said: “He’s OK. He’s been ill for a few days so he’s a little bit run down but we’ll see how he is again today.“
Big double boost
32-year-old Trippier would have been fearing the worst when he felt discomfort in his hamstring, what with the World Cup just around the corner.
And his absence would have come as a big blow to Newcastle, who rely on him as their main source of creativity on the right flank.
With three assists and 32 chances created so far this season, the makeshift Toon skipper is without a doubt the most influential figure in the squad from a creative standpoint.
In the case of Wilson, his impact is of a similar level when it comes to securing direct returns.
The 30-year-old is Newcastle’s second-highest goalscorer this season, behind Miguel Almiron who is enduring the season of his life on Tyneside.
Wilson is just two goals away from equalling his haul of eight goals from last season and will surely be discontent if he cannot finish in double goalscoring figures come the end of the season.
With just two games to go until the international break, the news is positive for Newcastle, who will make use of their stars before they depart for the uniquely placed winter World Cup.
