Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has allayed fears that Kieran Trippier could miss Euro 2024 through injury.
The Magpies full-back has been named in Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad ahead of the major tournament in Germany next month.
Much to the dismay of both the fans and Southgate, Trippier took part in a post-season friendly against Tottenham in Australia on Wednesday.
Playing in front of 78,419 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 33-year-old was withdrawn after just 37 minutes.
He was later reported to have an ice pack around his ankle to spark fears that his place in the Three Lions team could be in jeopardy.
But Howe later confirmed that Trippier’s early exit was pre-planned, and that he didn’t leave the pitch due to picking up a knock.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw – which saw the Toon emerge victorious on penalties – he insisted Trippier was only given a short run-out having only recently returned from a calf injury.
Howe said: “No that was all planned. We spoke [with] Kieran and thought best thing to do was start him.
“He is still in the early stages of recovery so we didn’t want to take risks with him. Half an hour was always the aim.
“He did well and is not injured. Let’s see how he feels on Friday. We have to make sure we treat him well at the early stages.”
And Howe later hinted at playing a younger side against the Australian A-League All Stars side on Friday with a number of players to head off for international duty.
The ex-Bournemouth manager remarked: “We will play a younger team.
“A lot of our internationals will move back to their various countries to prepare for tournaments.”
Prior to heading off to Australia following the last game of the Premier League season, Trippier conceded the friendly tie wasn’t the ‘ideal’ preparation for the Euros.
He said: “It’s not ideal, because it’s a tournament year. I understand why the club are doing it.
“I’ve done it at Tottenham and Atletico Madrid. But from my own experience of it – in a tournament year – it’s not ideal.
“But we’re players, we’ve got to do what’s right for the club, for the club to move forward.
“When we’re there it’ll be good, we’ll embrace it and experience it. Hopefully it goes smoothly.
“It’s one of those where you have just got to get on with it. But of course, for me as a player, it’s not really ideal. It’s not like it’s Benidorm round the corner. It’s 25 hours away!
“There’s no excuses or anything. I understand why the club are doing it, and we’ve just got to get on with it.”