Kieran Trippier ‘not injured’ despite early exit in Newcastle’s friendly at MCG

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has allayed any fears that England defender Kieran Trippier picked up an injury during the club’s end-of-season friendly with Tottenham in Australia.

Trippier, who had started the game in front of a crowd of 78,419 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, lasted just 37 minutes before he was replaced by Jacob Murphy after apparently taking a kick on his ankle.

However, Howe later confirmed that the full-back’s withdrawal was pre-planned as he works his way back to full match fitness ahead of Euro 2024.

United in Australia.