Eddie Howe concerned over Kieran Trippier’s fitness ahead of Aston Villa’s visit to Newcastle

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe has revealed that Newcastle United are sweating on the fitness of the talismanic January-signing Kieran Trippier.

The England international full-back limped out of Tuesday night’s 3-1 win over Everton with a calf problem.

And while Howe has revealed it is not a “long-term” issue, fan-favorite Trippier remains a doubt for the visit of Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa to St. James’ Park.

Howe said: “We don’t think it is a long-term injury, but we will have to make a late call on him for this game.

“He has been so important for us in recent games. I thought he was outstanding against Everton, highlighted by his free-kick.

“I thought his all-around game was excellent, and it would be a big blow to lose him. But we will have to wait and see.”

Trippier, a $16.2 million purchase from La Liga champions Atletico Madrid, has been a revelation since arriving on Tyneside and put in his best show in black and white to date against the Toffees, which included the Magpies’ late match-winning free-kick.

“He instantly caught the lads’ respect straightaway just by his demeanor, how he approached his training and his leadership skills,” said Howe. “He was very vocal early on, speaking to the group, and then his performances have spoken for themselves. He is determined to be a success at everything he does. He has a winner’s mentality.

“He has been a key, key person for us in our uplift in fortunes. I can’t speak highly enough of him so far.”

Apart from Trippier, Howe has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Sunday and could even welcome back Paul Dummett from injury if the defender passes a late fitness test.

It looks to be a straight choice between Dummett, new boy Dan Burn and Javier Manquillo to fill in for the