Paul Merson has stated that Newcastle United losing Kieran Trippier is a ‘massive blow’ for the club, as he told Sky Sports.
The Sky pundit added that it’s Trippier’s ‘experience’ on the pitch and in the dressing room that will also prove to be a problem for the Magpies.
Trippier scored back-to-back free-kicks for Newcastle, most recently during their 1-0 win against Aston Villa over the weekend.
Despite riding a wave of winning three Premier League games on the bounce, Eddie Howe now has to deal with one of his main players being on the sidelines.
Merson shared his thoughts on Trippier’s foot injury and what Newcastle are going to miss out on.
“It’s a massive blow for Newcastle to be losing Kieran Trippier but they’ve now got to kick on,” said Merson. “His two goals have been massive but it’s also his experience on the pitch and in the dressing room.
“I can’t really express just how big a blow losing Trippier is for Newcastle.
“He’s an international who has played in big games over his career so he’ll be a miss. He’s the type of player who wouldn’t let things get slack now all of a sudden they’ve got a few points on the board.”
The positive for Newcastle is that they are on a much better track compared to where they were before Trippier arrived.
The England international may be on the sidelines for a long period, but he has got the engine well and truly going at St James’ Park.
The Toon Army faithful need to look at the positives and the performance of Dan Burn on debut, as well as Matt Targett against Everton.
Then there is the transformation of Joelinton from a struggling striker to a hard-hitting midfielder, whilst Jonjoe Shelvey and Joe Willock are also producing their best under Howe.
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