Kieran Trippier expected return date revealed as defender was spotted in airport heading to Dubai

Newcastle United fans were a bit concerned today after an image of Keiran Trippier at the airport emerged claiming the England defender was heading to Dubai.

The image, which showed Trippier from the back, was captioned saying that the 33-year-old was waiting for a flight to Dubai with fans left to speculate as to what that could mean.

Naturally, when a player of Trippier's calibre is spotted boarding a flight anywhere, you start thinking of potential transfer talks, but it turns out there was nothing untoward.

Newcastle's vice-captain was heading to sunnier climes to work on his rehabilitation with a return date edging ever closer.

Trippier is hoping to be back to face Brighton

Craig Hope was the one to ease fans' concerns by posting on X that Trippier is expected to return in time to take part in the final three games of the season, also adding that the trip to Dubai is to work on his fitness.

That means Trippier could be involved against Brighton on 11th May and should get some game time under his belt just in time to play his way into Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad.

We've been missing our leader for far too long now and although he was in attendance on Saturday, there's only so much he can do from the sidelines.

Trippier's leadership has been a huge miss recently

For all Dan Burn has stepped into the skipper role well, there's no denying that Trippier's leadership is a big part of what pushes Newcastle to new heights.

Jamaal Lascelles may be the club captain officially, but it definitely feels like Trippier is the main man when it comes to motivation.

We can't wait to have him back in the side just to give us that little extra boost to finish off this tiresome campaign.