Newcastle United are still assessing Kieran Trippier's calf injury after a scan revealed damage sustained during the 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers but he is expected to be out until late March.
The England international went off just minutes into the second half against Wolves but now looks certain to sit out at Stamford Bridge on Monday night with Tino Livramento set for his big chance. The former Chelsea right-back is keen to get the opportunity to show what he can do in his preferred position and could not have done much more against Wolves last time out.
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Trippier could also be in a race against time to face Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals on March 16 and should he miss that tie he would be likely to be on the sidelines for England's friendly games against Brazil and Belgium. Trippier has played down talk that it could be a long-term issue.
The former Atletico Madrid full-back said over the weekend: "I just felt something in my calf and I don't want to take any risks or anything. My calf is feeling good but you know scan results can say anything, but most importantly I'm feeling positive."
Trippier had suffered from a mid-season blip in form to get back on track but his absence for foreseeable future is definitely deemed a setback for Howe who had just been able to name a settled back four again.
