Emil Krafth insist every Newcastle United player 'knows what they are doing' when asked about the challenge of replacing Kieran Trippier. The Swedish international has deputised in the absence of the former Atletico Madrid full-back, starting the last three matches and helping Eddie Howe's side earn seven points in the process.
Trippier made an immediate impact both on and off the pitch following his January arrival, scoring free-kicks in successive wins against Everton and Aston Villa before suffering a foot injury last month. No return date has yet been given for the 31-year-old who continues to travel with the matchday squad.
There were fears over how Newcastle would cope without the England international, and Krafth was called upon with injury also ruling out Javier Manquillo. The Spanish full-back has returned to fitness but was forced to settle for a place on the bench for the victory against Brighton last time out.
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Krafth has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot since signing from Ligue One outfit Amiens in the summer of 2019. When asked about how Newcastle have coped in the absence of key players such as Trippier and Callum Wilson, the right-back stressed everyone in the squad knows the role required under the head coach.
Krafth told NUFC TV: "I think it doesn't matter which player plays, I think the player who plays knows what we're going to do. The gaffer has implemented his style since his first day here, and I think there's no doubt that everybody knows what they are doing.
"Striker, goalkeeper, defender. Just go in and do the work. When you are winning, everything is good.
"You're just riding that wave, and I hope we can continue this streak first of all against Southampton, but of course in the other games as well."
Krafth could keep his place for Thursday's trip to face the Saints, with the Magpies hoping to become the first side to take all three points from St Mary's Stadium since September. United have lifted themselves clear of the relegation zone with an eight-match unbeaten run, and the defender has credited this improvement to the work carried out during the week at the club's Benton base.
Krafth added: "I think it's been very hard work in training, and when you work hard it pays off. That's what we've been showing out on the pitch on gamedays.
"We've been training hard with the team and with the coaches on a lot of details, and I think it pays off in the games as well."
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