There’s finally a glimmer of hope for Eddie Howe and Newcastle United as the club’s lengthy injury crisis looks set to ease. In recent weeks, Howe has been forced into makeshift solutions, with teenager Lewis Miley operating at right-back due to the absence of Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier.
While Miley has performed admirably in an unfamiliar role, showing maturity beyond his years and providing stability at the back, his long-term position is clearly in midfield, and his defensive heroics may soon come to an end.
Ahead of Newcastle’s crucial Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, Howe confirmed encouraging news regarding his full-backs. Both Livramento and Trippier have returned to training and are edging closer to full fitness, giving the Magpies a major boost as they face an intense January schedule of nine fixtures.
Howe provided updates on their condition, noting that both players had managed recovery sessions and intensive training, suggesting they could be available for selection very soon. Emil Krafth, meanwhile, remains further behind in his rehabilitation, meaning the right-back situation is still delicate but improving rapidly.
This news is significant for Newcastle. Livramento has shown this season that when fit, he is a highly effective and dynamic option at right-back, combining pace with attacking flair.
Trippier’s absence has been particularly noticeable; his leadership, experience, and precise delivery from wide areas are qualities the team has sorely missed. Their imminent return means Howe can restore balance and defensive solidity, allowing Miley to step away from the backline and return to his natural midfield position, where his creative instincts and technical ability can be better utilized.
For Lewis Miley, this presents a bittersweet moment. His performances at right-back have been impressive, with the teenager demonstrating composure, tactical awareness, and adaptability far beyond his years.
Fans and pundits alike have praised him for rising to the occasion, often outshining more senior teammates in recent matches. However, it’s clear that his true potential lies in central midfield, where his vision, passing range, and ability to control tempo can flourish.
The sooner he returns to that role, the better it will be for his development and Newcastle’s long-term plans.
That said, Miley’s transition back to midfield may not be straightforward. Newcastle’s starting XI in central areas is already competitive, with Joelinton having impressed in the recent win over Burnley, while Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali remain undroppable due to their influence and consistency.
Miley may find himself transitioning from a key figure in defense to a squad player in midfield, highlighting the challenge of reintegrating young talent into a team with established performers. This underscores the balancing act Howe must perform: rewarding Miley’s adaptability while maintaining team cohesion and competitive performance in a busy fixture schedule.
Howe’s injury update is also a relief from a broader tactical perspective. The Magpies have struggled to maintain defensive stability when forced into makeshift line-ups, and restoring their preferred full-backs provides not only protection at the back but also more options going forward.
Livramento’s overlapping runs, combined with Trippier’s set-piece quality and wide delivery, will give Newcastle the chance to create more attacking opportunities, stretching opposition defenses and allowing creative midfielders like Miley to contribute higher up the pitch.
January is a critical month for Newcastle, with multiple Premier League fixtures and a demanding schedule that tests both squad depth and resilience. Having experienced players returning to fitness is invaluable, especially when the team is fighting to secure points in a competitive table.
Howe now has the option to deploy his strongest lineup while also managing young talents like Miley carefully, ensuring they are developed without being overexposed in unfamiliar positions.
Ultimately, this double injury boost represents both a tactical and developmental milestone for Newcastle United. It signals the end of experimental deployments, restores balance to the squad, and allows Howe to manage his midfield and defense more effectively.
For Lewis Miley, it’s an opportunity to return to the role that suits him best, though he may need to fight for a place in a packed central midfield. For the club as a whole, the return of Livramento and Trippier could be the difference between scrapping for mid-table security and pushing toward European qualification, giving Newcastle renewed optimism as they navigate the intensity of the January fixture list.
| Player | Position | Status | Notes on Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tino Livramento | Right-back | Near fitness | Expected to resume full training, key attacking and defensive option |
| Kieran Trippier | Right-back | Near fitness | Experienced, leadership, set-piece quality, back in contention |
| Lewis Miley | Midfielder/Right-back | Previously covering RB | Will likely return to midfield once Livramento/Trippier available |
| Joelinton | Central Midfielder | Fit | Impressive recent form, likely to retain starting spot |
| Bruno Guimaraes | Central Midfielder | Fit | Undroppable, key to midfield control |
| Sandro Tonali | Central Midfielder | Fit | Consistent performer, strong influence in midfield |
With these returning players, Newcastle can approach the remainder of January with a stronger, more balanced squad, giving Howe options to rotate, protect young talent, and maximize results during a critical stretch of fixtures.
The experiment of relying on a teenager at right-back may soon conclude, but its success highlights the depth and potential within Newcastle’s ranks, providing hope for the remainder of the season.
