A wave of concern washed over St. James’ Park Wednesday night as Tino Livramento, the dynamic Newcastle United defender, was forced to leave the pitch against Fulham. The sight of him clutching his left knee sparked immediate worry, recalling a painful chapter in his young career.
Manager Eddie Howe didn’t attempt to sugarcoat the situation after the match. He described Livramento’s injury as “the big negative,” admitting the initial assessment wasn’t encouraging. The fear is a renewed issue with the same knee that previously sidelined him for nearly a year.
Livramento’s previous injury, an ACL tear suffered while playing for Southampton in April 2022, demanded a grueling recovery. He’d recently returned to form, becoming a vital part of Newcastle’s defense, only to be potentially struck by another setback. This latest blow casts a shadow over his availability for Saturday’s crucial Premier League clash against Chelsea.
The young player’s dedication and reliability are highly valued by Howe, who noted Livramento’s honest and dependable nature. It’s precisely this commitment that makes his forced departure so unsettling, raising serious doubts about his participation against Chelsea.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope on the injury front. Lewis Hall, who missed the Fulham victory due to a hamstring issue, is now considered a contender to return for the Chelsea match. Howe expressed a more positive outlook on Hall’s recovery, suggesting he has a chance to feature.
The injury list continues to grow for Newcastle. Nick Pope remains sidelined with a groin injury, with a return not expected until December. Dan Burn is facing 4-6 weeks out with a chest injury, while Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are both battling knee injuries with returns projected for January.
Adding to the defensive concerns, Sven Botman is currently dealing with a back injury, and the timeline for his return remains uncertain. Youngster Will Osula is also recovering from an ankle injury, leaving Howe with a depleted squad.
Even Joelinton is not fully fit, nursing a groin problem that Howe described as limiting his ability to perform at his usual level. He was held back as an unused substitute against Fulham, reserved for only the most critical of emergency situations.
As Newcastle prepares to face Chelsea, Howe is navigating a complex injury landscape. The team’s resilience will be tested as they strive to overcome these challenges and maintain their momentum in the Premier League.
