Newcastle United full-back Kieran Trippier looks set to return to the side's matchday squad later this month, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

Having Trippier back would be a welcome boost for the Magpies, given how well he started at St James' Park when he arrived at the club in January.

What happened to Trippier?

After joining Newcastle for £12m from Atletico Madrid, Trippier made an almost instant impact by scoring in his third and fourth league appearances for the team against Everton and Aston Villa, respectively. He was even handed the captain's armband for the latter fixture.

His afternoon was cut short in that Villa game, though, as he had to be replaced in the early stages of the second half due to injury.

It was subsequently revealed that he had broken a bone in his foot, ruling him out for at least six weeks. Two months on, the 35-cap international is yet to make his comeback.

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What has Downie said about when Trippier could return?

Trippier has had to be patient in his recovery from his broken foot, but Downie believes the end is in sight.

He has claimed that the 31-year-old could make his long-awaited return when Newcastle travel to Carrow Road to play Norwich on April 23.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Downie said: “With Trippier, I think the plan would be for him to be back, by the sounds of it, for the Norwich match. He’ll miss Leicester on Easter Sunday, very unlikely against Palace on the Wednesday, it comes close after it.

“Potentially for Norwich on the 23^rd. So, a couple of weeks away.”

Do Newcastle need to rush Trippier back?

As things stand, Newcastle appear to be in a healthy position in the table, especially compared to where they were at the start of 2022.

Following their victory against Wolves last Friday, Eddie Howe's side are now 10 points clear of the drop zone heading into the final weeks of the season.

Therefore, it seems very likely that Newcastle will stay up this term, meaning there should not be a rush to get Trippier back into the starting XI if he is not quite ready to feature in the Norwich game.

However, it is understandable that the North-East club will want Trippier back as quickly as possible, given how important he is to the side.

If he is able to play in Newcastle's final five league games, this could make a big difference, and potentially help the team finish in mid-table, rather than just above the bottom three.