Newcastle United are assessing a fresh injury for Kieran Trippier after the right-back came off 12 minutes from the end against Aston Villa.

The former England defender stood in for Tino Livramento who missed the game against Villa due to an illness. Trippier enjoyed 75 touches and tossed in three crosses as he helped guide Newcastle to a much-needed victory in the Premier League.

Howe was delighted with Trippier's contributions but said he would wait to see how the 34-year-old "reacts" after his first start since October. As Trippier walked off the field, performance director James Bunce made a beeline to the full-back to make an instant check on his fitness.

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Howe said: "It was a very strong performance from Kieran. He's been waiting patiently. The little cameos he's had in recent weeks. Have certainly helped him get his feeling back and get his rhythm back.

"He's a vastly-experienced player and I'd no doubt today that he would do well. The only question mark was how long would he last due to a lack of game-time.

"I thought he did very well when he was on the pitch and let's see how he reacts to the game."

It meant that Howe had to field Matt Targett as an emergency right-back with the full-back making his first appearance since November 2023. Back then Targett went off with a hamstring injury in the opening moments of the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Manchester United and his road to recovery has been a tough journey that hasn't been short of setbacks.

Targett could be used as a back-up right-back at Old Trafford on Monday night if Trippier does not make it. However, the head coach expects Tino Livramento to be back from illness, adding: "Yes, fingers crossed."