Kieran Trippier return date 'revealed' after 'weird' airport photos fuel Newcastle United supporter speculation

Newcastle United supporters began speculating about Kieran Trippier’s future after fresh pictures emerged on social media. 

The Toon right-back has been ruled out for the past seven games as he nurses a calf injury picked up against Wolverhampton Wanderers in March. An initial two-week lay-off has proven incorrect as Trippier appears no closer to making a return.

"I've had a calf issue and at this stage of the season and, with the number of games I've played, we need to take extra precautions,” he told the match programme on Saturday. “It's important that there are no setbacks. I don't want to come back and then re-injure myself so I'm just ticking every box."

His absence came just weeks after rejecting a lucrative offer from Bayern Munich. Thomas Tuchel wanted Trippier at the Bundesliga giants alongside former Tottenham Hotspur teammates Harry Kane and Eric Dier.

Newcastle rejected two offers - with the highest worth around £12million - despite his age and length of contract. Trippier has just over a year left on his current deal - fuelling further speculation regarding his future.

Eagle-eyed Toon fans spotted the 33-year-old walking through Newcastle Airport’s duty-free section. The Newcastle supporter, named Doddsy, revealed Trippier was Dubai-bound while his teammates prepare for a trip to Burnley this weekend.

That sparked sceptical responses suggesting the defender’s time on Tyneside may be nearing an end. One comment read: “The whole thing is a little bit weird with the way Howe is now skirting around questions on when he’ll return etc. He’ll be off in the summer for one last payday in Saudi and £15-20m for #NUFC that helps out with FFP/PSR.”

Another agreed, calling the situation “strange” and also expecting him to leave. He wrote: “This is a strange situation. It doesn’t even really feel like he’s part of the squad anymore. 

“We hear nothing about him or from him. I reckon he’s off in the summer, without a doubt.”

However, reports soon emerged explaining Trippier’s airport appearance. The Daily Mail claim he is heading to the Middle East for rehabilitation and Newcastle expect him back against Brighton on May 11.