Newcastle United have, on Sunday, seen the club’s personnel ranks hit hard, by not one, but two fresh blows on the injury front.

First, late in the first-half of the club’s Premier League showdown with Aston Villa, Javier Manquillo pulled up with an unspecified issue.

And, after attempting to run the problem off, the Spanish stopper was ultimately forced to make way, replaced by Paul Dummett on the left of the hosts’ back-4.

Then, just minutes beyond the interval, another key member of Eddie Howe’s backline too made way.

The 2nd Magpies casualty of the day? Kieran Trippier.

English international Trippier, out of the blue, went to ground with what appeared to be a muscular problem, quickly signalling to the Magpies bench that he was in no fit state to continue.

Emil Krafth, in turn, was introduced in the veteran right-back’s place, with all associated with Newcastle no doubt hopeful that no form of extended spell on the sidelines now faces the club’s starring January addition.

Magpies cling to lead

Turning attentions towards the scoreline at St. James’ Park at present, it is in fact a strike on the part of the aforementioned Trippier which, as things stand, separates the two sides on Sunday.

After opening his account in Newcastle’s colours courtesy of a sumptuous free-kick versus Everton in midweek, the veteran Englishman added his latest set-piece special this afternoon, albeit on this occasion aided by a considerable deflection:

Ollie Watkins, meanwhile, appeared to have dragged Aston Villa level just beyond the hour mark in proceedings, only to see his close-range header ruled out for offside.

 

Newcastle United vs Aston Villa live streaming: Watch Premier League online

Burnley vs Liverpool live streaming: Watch Premier League online