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Chris Knight

The role Kieran Trippier must now play in Newcastle United's fight for survival after injury

Kieran Trippier must continue to lead Newcastle United despite his injury to 'keep the standards up'.

That is the view of BT Sport pundits Joe Cole and Jermaine Jenas, who discussed how damaging the loss of the full-back could be for the Magpies.

Eddie Howe made Trippier the first signing of the new era at St James' Park, and the England international scored in consecutive victories against Everton and Aston Villa.

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However, the 31-year-old has been ruled out of the Magpies' 'upcoming fixtures' after fracturing a bone in his foot.

No timescale has been given at this stage for the defender's recovery, although he is expected to return to action before the end of the season.

Emil Krafth was called upon to cover in Trippier and Javier Manquillo's absence at the London Stadium, and struggled at times during the 1-1 draw.

Speaking ahead of the televised encounter, former Magpies midfielder Jenas believes the right-back must continue his influential work off the pitch during his recovery.

He said: "I think it's important that he does, if he is the voice we all hear he is in the dressing room.

"I think it's important he helps those players settle in those pressurised moments, using his own experiences as what he brings to the table because he can't do it on the pitch.

"Vocally, he can be a big help not just on matchdays, but in training every single day to keep the standards up."

Eddie Howe's side picked up a point despite the absence of Trippier, Allan Saint-Maximin and long-term absentee Callum Wilson.

Cole fears Newcastle will miss the right-back's quality on the ball as well as his organisational skills in the back four.

Asked about Trippier's injury, Cole said: "What he does is brings quality on the ball, technically he is going to be providing assists, but his leadership will be such a big blow.

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"In a back four you need a talker. One of the reasons Gareth Southgate put him in at left-back at the Euros was because he felt with Tyrone Mings playing on the left side in one of his first games for England, he needed a talker to help him out.

"Kieran's obviously an organiser, and being a talker is one of his main benefits and that really helps the rest of the back four. Not having him in will be a big test."

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