Journalist Pete O'Rourke reckons that Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is hopeful that Kieran Trippier isn't facing a long spell on the sidelines.

The 35-cap England right-back has made a huge impact following his January arrival but suffered an injury late on against Everton on Tuesday.

What happened to Trippier against Everton?

It could end up proving a potentially pivotal night in Newcastle's battle against relegation, with the 3-1 win enough to see Howe's side climb out of the bottom-three for the first time since October.

Initially, they got off to the worst possible start when Jamaal Lascelles turned into his own net, but Mason Holgate repeated the feat less than 60 seconds later to draw the Magpies level. Newcastle then produced a terrific second half showing to score twice more and claim their biggest victory of the campaign.

However, it wouldn't prove the perfect night as Trippier, who scored the third, limped off in stoppage-time with a calf problem and has emerged as an early doubt for the weekend fixture against Aston Villa.

When asked about the problem, Howe said that Trippier is doubtful to face Steven Gerrard's side.

The Newcastle boss will already be without one of his regular full backs in Matt Targett, who's ineligible to face his parent club, and will therefore be hoping that Trippier doesn't join him on the absentee list.

What did O'Rourke say about Trippier?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "Eddie Howe will be hoping that Trippier won't be out long-term, because he's been a really astute signing."

Pochettino to Man United close?! Find out more on The Football Terrace...

Who would play in Trippier's absence?

Newcastle's right-back options were limited prior to Trippier's arrival, which is exactly why they were so desperate to sign him in January.

Prior to Trippier's arrival, Jacob Murphy had been filling in at right-back, although he's traditionally deployed in a more advanced role, which means Howe could be reluctant to play him there, especially against a dangerous Aston Villa side.

Javier Manquillo is a more natural full back and replaced the 31-year-old when he hobbled off late on against Everton and while that brief cameo might not be enough to say he'll definitely start this weekend, the fact he's a full back by trade could see him given the nod to start at St James' Park.