Eddie Howe is hopeful Kieran Trippier will return before the end of the season after a successful operation on his foot injury on Thursday.The Newcastle right-back picked up the injury in the game against Aston Villa last week. He scored the only goal in that game and also struck in his side's win against Everton earlier in the week.However, he had to leave the pitch during Sunday's game after a break in his left foot.The Athletic revealed earlier this week that the 31-year-old would undergo surgery in a bid to return as quickly as possible.Howe has now expressed his hope that the England international will be back before the end of the campaign.He said: "He had his operation yesterday and that went well, so that was good news. "I don't know at this moment in time how long he will be out. Obviously we hope to have him back before the end of the season but it's a significant injury and a big blow to us because he was performing so well."Asked whether he had a timeline on Trippier's recovery, Howe added: "No. As I say, we hope to see him before the end of the season but in terms of a definitive time, no. We have to see how his early rehab goes. The operation was a success. It's an opportunity now for somebody else to step up in his place, but certainly we're going to miss his leadership skills on the pitch and everything he was delivering for us."He's scored two goals in the last two games, which have been defining moment for us. But we're confident we have enough quality in the squad to cover."Newcastle, who have climbed to 17th, face West Ham on Saturday.(Photo: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
