Newcastle United fresh injury blow confirmed after Man Utd as Kieran Trippier decision explained

Eddie Howe claimed he did not plan on starting Kieran Trippier for Newcastle United against Manchester United on Tuesday night.

But an injury to Tino Livramento ultimately forced the Newcastle boss to make a change at right-back with Trippier coming into the side and starting his first game in over two months. The 33-year-old had been out since early March following a calf injury.

The England international was withdrawn after 63 minutes as Newcastle went on to lose 3-2 after goals from Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out strikes from Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall.

When asked if he planned to start Trippier at Old Trafford, Howe told The Gazette: “No, it was dictated to us by Tino's injury.

“Tino picked up an injury on Saturday to his ankle so Kieran had to play when he's had limited training time. Like a number of players for us this season, he's put himself forward for the group and I think he's played well but he was fatiguing in that moment so we had to take him off.”

In addition to Livramento, Newcastle were without Callum Wilson due to illness on Wednesday night. The Magpies now head into the final game of the season at Brentford needing to at least equal Manchester United’s result at Brighton & Hove Albion in order to secure a top-seven finish.

Looking ahead to the match, Howe confirmed: “Tino won't make Sunday, we now have to get him right for next season. Callum, we anticipate, will be fine.”