Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that right-back Kieran Trippier is set to miss the next two games due to a "minor" injury, including next Monday's Premier League trip to Chelsea.
Trippier has made a total of 36 appearances for the Magpies across all competitions so far this season, registering 10 assists in 25 Premier League starts.
The 33-year-old's most recent outing was in Newcastle's 3-0 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, but the defender was withdrawn early in the second half after sustaining a calf problem.
Howe has since played down fears that Trippier has suffered a serious injury and is hopeful that the Englishman will return for the club's first game after the international break later this month.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Howe said: "Kieran's injury is not too bad – a minor injury. The scans showed enough to probably keep him out for the next two games.
"We hope he will be back for the first game after the international break, although that's not guaranteed.
"There is every chance he comes to both games – he is very keen to stay with the group despite the injury. It highlights his leadership qualities."
The absence of Trippier will likely see former Chelsea youngster Valentino Livramento handed a start at right-back in Monday's clash at Stamford Bridge, and Howe has heaped praise on the 21-year-old since joining from Southampton last summer.
"It has been a brilliant start to his Newcastle career. He's handled himself well, and played ever so well," said the Magpies boss.
"It goes without saying how good he is athletically and that showed with his goal against Wolves – it showed his running ability and then his technical quality. I have been delighted with how he has started here."
Meanwhile, Newcastle are still having to cope without Callum Wilson (pectoral), Nick Pope (shoulder) and Joelinton (thigh) who are still recovering from long-term injuries.
Discussing Joelinton's recovery, Howe said: "He really wants to be there for his teammates. I can sense a little bit of sadness in him but a determination as well. I know that he's really pushing to come back as quickly as he can but in a safe way."
Sandro Tonali remains suspended, while Chelsea loanee Lewis Hall – who is expected to complete a permanent move to Newcastle this summer according to Howe – is ineligible to face his parent club on Monday.
One player who may have an outside chance of returning to the first-team squad is left-back Matt Targett , who has returned to full training after over four months out with a hamstring injury.
Newcastle have picked up 11 points from their last six Premier League games and currently sit eighth in the table, four points behind the top six and four points clear of Monday's opponents Chelsea in 11th spot. body check tags ::
