Newcastle United are sweating on the fitness of Tino Livramento after the defender sustained a potentially significant injury during their Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Fulham. The 23-year-old full-back was forced off the pitch in the 74th minute after going down with an apparent knee problem.
Livramento's injury is a major blow for Newcastle, who are already facing a crippling injury crisis, particularly in defense. The extent of the injury is not yet known, but the images of Livramento leaving the pitch with a heavily bandaged knee have sparked fears that he could be set for another spell on the sidelines.
"It doesn't look good," said Newcastle manager Eddie Howe after the game. "The fact he came off is a worrying sign and we're so stretched in that area it would be a problem". Howe also expressed concern that Livramento had to be substituted, highlighting the player's toughness and honesty. "We don't know how bad it is but it doesn't look good. The fact he had to come off when he's such an honest lad is a worrying sign for his participation against Chelsea.".
Livramento had only recently returned to the side after missing ten games earlier in the season due to a knee ligament injury sustained against Arsenal in late September. This previous injury also forced him to miss international duty with England.
The injury occurred as Livramento, filling in at left-back due to a late injury to Lewis Hall, went down clutching his left knee. The Newcastle physio attended to him on the pitch, examining his knee before Livramento gingerly rose to his feet and hobbled off, visibly dejected, and was replaced by youngster Alex Murphy.
Newcastle's defensive woes are well-documented, with Dan Burn, Emil Krafth, Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman already sidelined. This situation forced Howe to field a makeshift back-four against Fulham, with Livramento at left-back and Lewis Miley, typically a midfielder, on the right.
Miley's performance at right-back was one of the few bright spots for Newcastle, with Howe praising the youngster's display. "Brilliant performance from a talented young player" said Howe.
The potential absence of Livramento will further stretch Newcastle's already thin squad, especially with the busy festive period approaching. Howe may now have to rely on even more inexperienced players or find creative solutions to fill the gaps in his defense. One option could be Lewis Miley shifting to right-back.
The club will be hoping for positive news following further assessment of Livramento's injury, but the initial signs are concerning, leaving Newcastle fans anxiously awaiting an official update.
