The England full back was withdrawn during last weekend's 3-0 win over Wolves at St. James' Park as the Magpies got back to winning ways in the Premier League in front of their own supporters.

But head coach Howe has moved to allay fears over the seriousness of Trippier's injury ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge - but admitted that the former Atletico Madrid defender is likely to miss both United's trip to the capital and their Emirates FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester City a week on Saturday.

Howe spoke to the media at Newcastle's training centre in Benton on Friday morning - here are some of the main topics that were up for discussion:

On Trippier's fitness...

"Kieran's injury is not too bad - a minor injury. The scans showed enough to probably keep him out for the next two games, and we hope he will be back for the first game after the international break, although that's not guaranteed.

"There is every chance he comes to both games - he is very keen to stay with the group despite the injury. It highlights his leadership qualities."

On Chelsea, and the Magpies' Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat at Stamford Bridge in December...

"It was a difficult night. We did a lot right. It was in a time we were struggling with a lot of injuries. I think we learnt form that - through every difficult experience, there is a positive if you can learn from it.

"Chelsea have definitely improved throughout the season. They have got better and better - they have top quality players and an outstanding manager. We know it will be a very difficult game against a team that is dangerous but, as always, the focus is on us."

On Anthony Gordon's fine form this term...

"He has been excellent, when you consider how many games he has played, and the responsibility of the position.

"He has been really mature in everything he has done, in training and matches. He has added the end product, the goals and the assists, which is something he needed to do to become the best player that he is capable of being. I am delighted with every aspect of his game."

On Tino Livramento, who netted his first goal for the Magpies in last Saturday's win over Wolves...

"It has been a brilliant start to his Newcastle career. He's handled himself well, and played ever so well.

"It goes without saying how good he is athletically and that showed with his goal against Wolves - it showed his running ability and then his technical quality. I have been delighted with how he has started here."

On the run-in and United's hopes of qualifying for Europe...

"We know we are running out of games. There's not many left. We know the opportunities we have got, and we are determined to maximise every game.

"The players know the importance of the fixtures we have coming up. We have got a bit of form behind us. We are looking to recapture our very best performance levels.

"We have really high expectations of ourselves. I am determined to try and achieve the maximum that we can, and get back into Europe if we can."