Kieran Trippier confirmed out for Tottenham opener: Who takes his place

Early suspicions have now been confirmed, as Kieran Trippier is set to miss at least the opening match at Newcastle while the club determines the severity of his ankle injury.

Trippier, only a month after securing his spot as Spurs’ first-choice right back, suffered a massive setback during the club’s last pre-season match against Juventus on Saturday. Even bubbly optimists feared the worst when he hobbled out of Wembley in an air cast.

The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Mauricio Pochettino as the gaffer prepares for the opening match of the Premier League season against Newcastle on Sunday. Team doctors are waiting for the swelling to dissipate before making a clear diagnosis. But he will be out for the match on Tyneside, that much is clear.

The injury to the 26-year-old is further exacerbated by Manchester United’s stalking of Spurs’ injured left back Danny Rose. The vultures are circling above the north London skyline, and Daniel Levy needs to stand firm during this trying time. Spurs supporters expect nothing less from their chairman, who, at times, can frustrate the Spurs’ loyal following by his reluctance to open his pocketbook.

But he will not capitulate to Jose Mourinho and his crew of hyena-resembling cronies. Rose is not going anywhere and the faster United get through their relentless, collective heads the better.

Who will start in Trippier’s place?

On to the next quagmire: Who will start at right back against Newcastle on Sunday?

There are a couple of options, none of which are ideal. Kyle Walker-Peters is not ready to consistently start on a Premier League contender. However, is Newcastle a different story? The 20-year-old could make his debut on Sunday in Newcastle but that seems unlikely.

St James’ Park is an intimidating venue for even the most experienced, well-versed professionals. The raucous stadium, with its vociferous Toon army, doesn’t provide an idyllic setting for a young right back’s Premier League debut.

Option two has Eric Dier filling in at right wing back. That leaves gaping holes in the heart of Tottenham’s midfield or defence, though. Victor Wanyama is an injury doubt for the match, too. If Wanyam can’t play, Dier is almost forced into the middle. Harry Winks doesn’t have the physical prowess or domineering stature to protect the back line in that role, especially against a robust Newcastle side.

Lastly, and the lesser of three evils, sees Moussa Sissoko starting at right wing back. He’s comfortable in possession and can track back. Sissoko has the engine to maraud up and down the wing for the duration of the match and isn’t terribly vulnerable defensively either.

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None of the options are ideal, but Spurs are a resilient bunch playing a newly promoted side. Invariably, Newcastle will be up for this one. It’s their first match since returning to the Premier League and they’ll be buoyed by playing in front of their passionate supporters.

But Tottenham are one of the best for a reason. They have bundles of class going forward and are blessed with an innate winner’s ability to overcome the odds. This hiccup won’t hamstring Tottenham’s chances of picking up all three points on opening day.