Eddie Howe has issued an injury update on Newcastle United duo Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson ahead of Saturday's Tyne-Wear derby against rivals Sunderland in the third round of the FA Cup.
Both Trippier and Wilson were absent from the Magpies' 4-2 Premier League defeat at Liverpool on New Year's Day after picking up respective groin and calf injuries in the previous game against Nottingham Forest – a 3-1 home defeat.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Newcastle's trip to the Stadium of Light, Howe has revealed that Trippier is doubtful and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
However, the Magpies boss has confirmed that Wilson is ruled out of Saturday's match and is facing a race against time to return before the end of this month.
"We are going to give (Kieran Trippier) a late test today and see where he is tomorrow," Howe told reporters.
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"Callum (Wilson) isn't too bad, but enough to keep him out of this game and our next game (against Manchester City on January 13) – but hopefully we can get him back for the game with Aston Villa (on January 30)."
Wilson has therefore joined a packed treatment room that includes Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy (both shoulder), Joe Willock (calf), Elliot Anderson (back), Harvey Barnes (foot), Matt Targett (thigh) and Javi Manquillo (groin).
Newcastle's No.9 has endured several injury setbacks throughout his career and was sidelined with a niggly hamstring problem earlier this season.
However, Wilson has still managed to make an impact for Howe's side in 2023-24, scoring eight goals in 20 appearances across all competitions, including seven strikes in 14 Premier League games.
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Trippier, meanwhile, has experienced a somewhat uncharacteristic drop-off in form over the last few months and has made a few costly errors leading to goals.
Nevertheless, the 33-year-old is still regarded as an influential member of Howe's squad, starting 24 times at right-back so far this season and wearing the captain's armband on eight of those occasions.
Should Trippier fail to pass a late fitness test for Saturday, though, Valentino Livramento will most likely start on the right side of a back four.
Howe has talked up the importance of the 156th Tyne-Wear derby – the first in nearly eight years – for his Newcastle side, who are seeking to turn their fortunes around following a miserable run of seven defeats in their last eight matches.
The Magpies also travel to the Stadium of Light having failed to win any of their last nine Tyne-Wear derbies over the last 12 years against a Sunderland side, who are unbeaten in their last three Championship games under new boss Michael Beale.
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