Kieran Trippier is touch and go for Newcastle United's encounter with Everton with Eddie Howe insisting that he must be "careful" when it comes to easing the England defender back into the team.
Trippier has been missing since the 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers when he pulled up with a calf injury. The initial verdict from the medical team was that Trippier would miss both the Chelsea game and FA Cup trip to Man City, but his absence stretched to a third game against West Ham.
And while hopes were raised by the sight of Trippier walking in for duty on Saturday morning, the full-back is usually with the squad whether he is fit or not. Howe was asked about his fitness chances for the encounter against Everton at St James' Park.
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Howe, speaking ahead of the big test against the Toffees, said: "Kieran is improving. It was a difficult injury for him, one on the calf and one that we have to be very, very careful with. We hoped he would be fit in and around this game (West Ham). But we will have to wait and see how he goes this week."
Trippier endured a nightmare in the reverse fixture after a couple of errors in the 3-0 loss at Goodison Park. However, he has better memories of scoring a wonderful free-kick in the clash against Everton in the 2021/22 season in an important 3-1 win.
Howe said: "I think he is desperate to be involved, he knows what is at stake for us between now and the end of the season. His qualities are obvious. So we are desperate for him back but it has to be at the right time."
Newcastle also had a notable omission from the team sheet against the Hammers with Matt Targett not involved. But Howe hopes he can rely on his services again soon.
Howe added: "Not a big problem, he has a little bit of tendonitits on his achilles. We envisage he will be back soon."