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Hope for Trippier
Eddie Howe has not given up hope of Kieran Trippier returning to action for Newcastle before the end of the season.
The England ace, 31, broke a bone in his foot as the Magpies beat Aston Villa 1-0 last Sunday, with his second goal in two games securing the points.
Losing the influential right-back is a major blow to Howe but there is still a chance Trippier will be back to bolster Newcastle’s battle against the drop.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash with West Ham, the Toon boss said: “He had his operation yesterday and that went well so that was good news.
“We don’t know how long he will be out and hope to have him back before the end of the season. It is a big blow to us because he was performing well.
“We hope to see him before end of season, we will have to see how early rehab goes and its an opportunity for someone to step up.
“We will miss his leadership skills and his goals but we are confident enough to cover.”
Bielsa cannot wait to face Rangnick and Co
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is relishing locking horns with Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United on Sunday.
And the Whites boss has whipped up the Elland Road faithful ahead of the showdown by praising their passion.
He said: “It’s difficult to imagine a support better or bigger than the one we receive.”
Leeds have picked up just one point from their last three Premier League games — but that will not dampen their spirits head of facing old rivals United.
Bielsa added: “A classic game is always a challenge that is very motivating. It’s going to be precious to witness it.”
Smith reveals hammer blow
Dean Smith has confirmed Norwich striker Adam Idah will miss the rest of the season with knee and ankle issues.
The Irishman, 21, has netted just once this term but has been a regular for both club and country.
Canaries boss Smith said: “We’ve had some bad news about Adam. He went in for an arthroscopy and then for a meniscus repair, he should be out for the season now.
“It’s a real blow and disappointing but it gives other players an opportunity.
“It was in the game [against Crystal Palace] when he did it. He planted his foot and hurt his ankle and knee but played on.
“He felt a bit stiff on the following two days and reported it to the medical staff.”
Smith’s side head to Liverpool tomorrow four points adrift of safety and the former Aston Villa manager knows they have a tough task ahead of them.
He added: “You have to have belief that you’re capable of going there and getting a result. We’ve had positive moments against top teams.
“We know the threats Liverpool have got but we have to balance how we’re going to attack and score goals.”
Still work to do
Brendan Rodgers urged his side to cut out the mistakes after seeing Leicester hammer Randers 4-1 last night.
The Foxes dominated the first leg of their Europa League Conference knockout round play-off at the King Power.
But Rodgers was disappointed to see the Danish side find the back of net on the stroke of half-time after Wilfred Ndidi had given the hosts the lead.
He said: “Their goal was a reminder that if you make any mistakes, no matter how dominant you are, you can be punished. Teams at this level can hurt you.
“It was about keeping calm and keeping our football flowing, creating and taking chances.
“This group will get back to its level, it is just time and players coming back. The fluency was good, We looked dynamic.”
Second-half goals from Harvey Barnes, Patson Daka and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall put the Foxes in firm control ahead of the second leg next Thursday.
And Rodgers’ sights are already firmly set on Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Wolves at Molineux.
He added: “Our goal for the remainder of the season is to finish as high as we can in the league, to keep developing, improving and to get players back.
“We want to finish as strong as we can and bring that into the following season.”
