Pundit Tam McManus has claimed that Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier is in 'real danger' of picking up an injury in the second half of the season.

The Lowdown: Overplayed?

The 32-year-old has played in every game in all competitions so far this season and has completed the full 90 minutes in 11 Premier League matches (Transfermarkt).

He has been picked for the England squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar by Gareth Southgate as well, so he is at risk of fatigue and injury once the league season resumes.

The Latest: Trippier concerns

Speaking to Football Insider, McManus is worried that Trippier may pick up a bad injury in the second half of the campaign, with the 41-year-old claiming that there is a 'real danger' of the Newcastle stalwart pulling up.

McManus said: “Trippier is probably the most important player in that side. What he gives you in leadership and confidence, you can’t buy that and that’s before you get to how good of a footballer he is.

“He’s been one of the best players in the league this season. Nothing gets past him, and he gets a fair few goals and assists as well.

“You just wish he was five years younger, but I think he probably has a good couple of years left in him at the top level.

“He did have that injury last season and he has been lucky to avoid that happening again. You wonder if in the second half of the season Newcastle will have to manage him because the games come so fast and losing him would be a big blow.

“I think there is a real danger of that happening.”

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The Verdict: Will need rest

There will come points in the season where Trippier will need to be given a rest, especially after playing in the World Cup midway through the campaign.

He did pick up an injury last term which ruled him out for a large chunk of 2021/22, having arrived at Newcastle from Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window.

At 32 years of age, Trippier may be susceptible to picking up muscle injuries more frequently late on in his career, so Eddie Howe will need to use the squad more in order to give him much-needed periods of rest.