Eddie Howe has been dealt a blow in Newcastle United's battle to survive relegation, with one of his new signings set to be out for up to six weeks.
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Newcastle's chances of staying up have definitely been improved in recent weeks, with the January signings definitely giving the side a boost in quality.
Despite getting embarrassed by Cambridge United in the FA Cup, the Magpies haven't lost in five games in the Premier League and have won their last three games.
The latest victory, against Aston Villa on Sunday, came via Kieran Trippier's free kick, his second since joining the club last month, and left them four points clear of the relegation zone.
However the team will now have to do without the former Atletico Madrid full back, after a foot injury has forced him to get surgery.
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"Trippier underwent an X-ray immediately after the game and scans have shown a fracture to the fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot," a statement by the club said.
Trippier had captained the team in the absence of Jamaal Lascelles, despite only joining in January, and his goal had given the team a first half lead.
He had to go off just three minutes into the second half however, after his foot was stamped on during a challenge, being replaced by Emil Krafth.
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The England defender was then taken to Royal Victoria Infirmary where he had an x-ray and returned to the game in a protective boot and with crutches.
"We’re keeping everything crossed there is no break," Howe said after the game, but his wishes were clearly not met, with the player now needing surgery.
Newcastle had only won one game in the league all season before their recent form and the money injected into the club in January is clearly helping.
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Whilst they won, it wasn't such a good weekend for fellow strugglers Burnley, Watford and Norwich City, with the bottom three all losing.
Leeds United's loss to Everton boosted Frank Lampard's side's chances of staying up but did drag Marcelo Bielsa's side back towards the relegation zone.
Newcastle will be hoping that Trippier's injury doesn't lead to them going back in the same direction.
Topics: Premier League, Newcastle United, Kieran Trippier
Ryan Sidle