Newcastle United have been hit with yet another untimely setback as one of Eddie Howe’s most trusted players is now expected to miss a significant run of games.
The news comes at a tense moment in the season, with the team trying to recover rhythm and stability after an inconsistent spell of results. The club already has enough difficulties to manage, but losing a key figure only increases the pressure as they enter a demanding stretch of fixtures.
Newcastle’s defeat to Marseille in midweek was not what the team needed, especially after producing such an impressive performance against Manchester City the week before.
That win over the champions gave supporters hope that the team could rediscover some of the resilience that defined their rise under Howe. However, to build on those moments, the manager now faces some difficult choices regarding his squad, especially in goal.
Nick Pope has been a reliable figure for Newcastle since the day he arrived, yet the last few weeks have not been kind to him. Another costly mistake in midweek has raised serious questions about whether he should continue as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Fans have been vocal in their desire to see Aaron Ramsdale get his chance, especially after joining from Southampton in the summer for £27 million. Despite the hype around his arrival, Ramsdale has played only once in the Premier League, and that was from the bench due to Pope’s injury against Brentford.
Howe has now admitted publicly that he has a major decision to make. He explained that all options remain open and that he will choose the goalkeeper who deserves it on merit.
He praised Pope for his experience and calm personality, insisting that he has never been the type to crumble under pressure. Still, he stopped short of confirming that the current number one will keep his place this weekend, which suggests Ramsdale may finally get the opportunity he has been waiting for.
Just as the goalkeeping question becomes more complicated, Newcastle have also been hit with a blow in defence. Kieran Trippier, one of the most influential figures in the team since joining the club, has suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out for four weeks.
This is a huge setback considering how important Trippier has been both defensively and as a leader on the pitch. He has already started eight of Newcastle’s twelve Premier League games this season, and his absence will be felt deeply as the team enters the busiest period of the campaign.
According to reports, the injury means Trippier will miss seven matches across all competitions. The timing could not be worse, with games coming thick and fast as the festive schedule approaches and the pressure intensifies on every squad in the league.
Here is the full list of games Trippier is expected to miss:
| Fixture | Date | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Everton vs Newcastle | 29/11/2025 | Premier League |
| Newcastle vs Tottenham | 02/12/2025 | Premier League |
| Newcastle vs Burnley | 06/12/2025 | Premier League |
| Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle | 10/12/2025 | UCL |
| Sunderland vs Newcastle | 14/12/2025 | Premier League |
| Newcastle vs Fulham | 17/12/2025 | EFL Cup |
| Newcastle vs Chelsea | 20/12/2025 | Premier League |
Among these matches, the one that stands out the most is the Tyne-Wear derby. Newcastle and Sunderland will meet again in the Premier League for the first time since 2017, a fixture that always carries enormous emotional weight on both sides of the divide.
Trippier’s leadership, composure and experience would have been crucial for such a heated contest. Missing a veteran player like him in a derby of that magnitude is a major blow for Howe and his team.
Newcastle must now adapt quickly and trust the depth of their squad. Injuries are part of the game, but losing someone with Trippier’s influence is never easy.
The coming weeks will test the strength and character of the squad, especially with decisions looming in goal and the defensive structure needing adjustment. Whether it is Ramsdale stepping in or another defender rising to the challenge, Newcastle will need unity and resilience to navigate this turbulent period.
