FIT-AGAIN Kieran Trippier is "desperate" to feature for Newcastle United this weekend but Eddie Howe has stressed the importance of patience with the returning right-back.

The England international has missed the nine games with a calf injury but has had a full week of training with the squad and is in contention to return to the squad against Brighton on Saturday.

Trippier is itching to play a part in Newcastle's crucial final three games of the season and also has the summer European Championships in mind, but Howe doesn't want to risk rushing the defender back into action too quickly.

"He's getting closer," he said.

"He's trained this week for the first time with the group which has been brilliant. You can really see the strength of the group returning. It's been a good week for him. We'll make a decision today on whether he's involved.

“He's desperate to be involved and has been desperate to contribute for a few weeks. But I think he knows and is experienced enough to know he has to manage his injury to make sure there is no recurrence of that calf.

"When you're in my shoes you have to take in all the information, see where Kieran is at with his injury and fitness then you have to try and pick your best team to win the game."

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Howe has also revealed that Fabian Schar could yet feature again this season, but tomorrow will come too soon for the defender, who has a hamstring injury.

He said: "Let's see about next week. He's certainly improving and feeling good."

Miguel Almiron and Joelinton both returned to action from the bench at Burnley last week and came through unscathed.

Howe said: "They've trained well. It's been a good week for them to get work into their bodies. They're still building their robustness is probably the best way of putting it. You need the load behind you to enable you to hopefully stay fit. They're two key players."