Newcastle news: Kieran Trippier spotted on crutches as major injury fears raised | Football | Sport
It was Trippier’s deflected free-kick that secured a 1-0 win over Villa and gave Newcastle’s survival chances a major boost.
Newcastle had initially been awarded a penalty when midfielder Joe Willock was fouled.
However, the 21-year-old was dismayed when replays showed he had actually been impeded a yard outside the box. VAR overruled the decision and a free-kick was awarded.
That did not matter to Trippier, though, and he crashed an effort goalwards. His strike deflected in via the wall and wrong-footed goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
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The goal was Trippier’s second from a set-piece in a week. He also scored the third in Newcastle’s 3-1 win over Everton with a spectacular 30-yard strike.
Former Tottenham man Trippier has already gone a long way to justifying the £20million fee Newcastle paid Atletico Madrid to bring the 31-year-old back to the Premier League in January.
However, fans will be fearful of a potentially serious injury after Trippier was spotted on crutches in the aftermath of Sunday’s clash.
Newcastle-based journalist Jordan Cronin photographed the new signing on crutches and wearing a protective boot as he walked past the dugout.
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“I think Manquillo landed awkwardly on his ankle, so I think his is a ligament problem.”
The win saw Newcastle go four points clear of the Premier League reelgation zone and they were given a further boost by Burnley losing against Liverpool.
“Three more points feels good from where we have come but, even in this good moment, we’re very calm but very pleased.
“We didn’t give up too many chances to Aston Villa. It was a tight game, and in weeks gone by, we wouldn’t have won this game. There is still a heck of a long way to go.
“There are lots of things we can improve. We defended heroically at times, but I feel we have a lot to do still. We know we’re in the early stages, but we’re pleased with progress we are making.”
