Big boost: Newcastle now handed fresh injury lifeline that'll have fans buzzing - opinion

Newcastle United are currently enjoying a rich vein of form with the Magpies winning five of their last six Premier League matches. However, they are still without one of their key players in Kieran Trippier.

The right-back signed from Atletico Madrid in January has missed his new side’s last three league games having suffered a metatarsal injury against Aston Villa last month.

Although he won’t be back soon, head coach Eddie Howe has revealed the latest on the Englishman’s recovery.

Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s 2-1 win against Brighton, Howe said: “Kieran’s done well. He’s had his stitches out on his foot. He’s making good progress, we’re happy.”

The 31-year-old has already scored twice in black and white and has quickly become one of the Geordies’ most important players, making his progress very pleasing news for the Toon Army.

Fans will certainly be buzzing that Trippier is making good progress after the 31-year-old’s electric start to life in the North-East.

The Englishman has netted twice from right-back, both goals direct from free-kicks, and has certainly been a catalyst to Newcastle’s major upturn in fortunes.

With the defender, the Magpies have conceded an average of 0.6 goals per game having shipped an average of 1.82 goals a match under Howe without Trippier.

The right-back has certainly made an instant impression on Tyneside and his absence leaves a gaping hole on the right-hand side of the defence with backup options Emil Krafth and Javier Manquillo far inferior alternatives.

Krafth started against Brighton on Saturday and, in fairness, produced a decent performance with SofaScore handing the Swede a 7/10 performance rating.

However, in 11 Premier League appearances this season, the 27-year-old