Newcastle suffer big injury blow ahead of clash with West Ham this weekend

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Newcastle have confirmed that Kieran Tripper will be sidelined with a fractured foot, according to an official club statement.

Although it is unknown how long Trippier will be out, he will definitely be absent for the Magpies next Premier League outing against West Ham.

The England international was forced off the pitch in the 48th minute with an injury. And an X-Ray has revealed the extent of the damage.

A statement on the Newcastle official website reads: ‘Trippier underwent an X-ray immediately after the game [against Aston Villa] and scans have shown a fracture to the fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot.’

The Newcastle hierarchy spent big in the January transfer window, with Chris Wood and Dan Burn also joining the club. But it’s the former Spurs man who has made the biggest impact at St James’ Park.

He was the first signing for Newcastle following their highly publicised take-over. The La Liga winner has made four appearances in all competitions, including three in the Premier League where he has scored two goals – both of which were free kicks.

His arrival has coincided with Newcastle’s best form of the season which has seen them climb out of the relegation zone for the first time since September. Eddie Howe and the Newcastle fans will be gutted to lose him at such a crucial stage of the season.

A huge benefit to West Ham

Just like Newcastle, the Hammers also find themselves at a key moment in their season. The race for the top-four is heating up and although West Ham currently occupy the desired Champions League spot, the teams around them all have games in hand. This means David Moyes’ side can’t afford any more slip-ups.

The Magpies go into the game at the London Stadium off the back of three straight wins. A run of form which leaves Eddie Howe’s side four points clear of the drop zone.

West Ham, on the other hand, aren’t currently playing their best football under Moyes, but are still managing to pick up points.

The Hammers have been fortunate that their last couple of games, against Watford and Leicester respectively, have come against sides lacking in confidence. Therefore they have been able to pick up enough points to keep their top-four hopes alive.

Newcastle are currently five games unbeaten in the League, so would fancy a result at the London Stadium. However, the injury to Trippier may knock their confidence back a little.

The right-back could cause West Ham a lot of problems. He is defensively solid, good going forward as well as his set-piece skills. His delivery into the box for Hammers foe Chris Wood to get on the end of is also worth noting. The former Burnley man has seven goals in nine appearances against the East London side and is yet to get off the mark for his new club.

A win for West Ham would further tighten their top-four credentials. While three points for Newcastle would ease their fears of Championship football next season.