Newcastle
Report: ‘Unbelievable’ Newcastle player has now been ruled out for game against Chelsea
Newcastle United have been dealt a significant injury blow before Monday’s game against Chelsea.
Chelsea and Newcastle face off on Monday night at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
The visitors will travel to west London without one of their key players, though.
The Daily Mail reported last night that Newcastle and England defender Kieran Trippier is due a short spell on the sidelines.
It is explained that the 33-year-old right-back suffered a calf injury in Saturday’s 3-0 league win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The report says that Trippier will miss Newcastle’s upcoming matches versus Chelsea and Manchester City. He’s a major doubt for England’s camp during this month’s international break, too.
This certainly feels like a real blow for Eddie Howe’s side.
Kieran Trippier unavailable against Chelsea
Trippier is actually Newcastle’s chief creator from the right-back position, so it’s a completely different dynamic when he doesn’t’ play. They’ll miss his crossing from both open play and set-pieces.
He’s created 11 assists in 36 club matches across all competitions so far this season.
Speaking via The Rest Is Football Podcast earlier in the campaign, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer described Trippier as “exceptional”.
Chelsea are similarly without full-back sensation Reece James through injury. However, the Blues are very fortunate to have 20-year-old Malo Gusto as a top-class back-up option.
Speaking via talkSPORT this week, Scott Minto claimed that Chelsea talent Gusto has been “nothing short of sensational”.
Our feeling is that Monday’s game may be won and lost by what happens in the wide areas, especially if Chelsea decide to stick with the formation that uses wing-backs.
It makes sense for the Blues to target Newcastle down their right-hand side with Trippier missing.
