Newcastle United have been dealt another painful setback after Eddie Howe confirmed that Tino Livramento is facing yet more time on the sidelines, describing the news as devastating for both the player and the club.
Just when it looked like the defender was finally putting his injury problems behind him, misfortune has struck again, leaving Newcastle short of options and facing some tough choices.
Livramento was forced off before the hour mark during the dramatic FA Cup tie against Bournemouth. He appeared uncomfortable as he left the pitch, and those fears were quickly confirmed after the match.
Howe admitted that the injury looks to be a hamstring problem, which is always a concern due to its muscular nature. For a player who had only recently returned to action after a lengthy knee injury, the timing could not be worse.
The England full-back had already endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines earlier in the season, missing nearly two months after suffering a knee issue in the autumn. His return had been carefully managed, and he had worked tirelessly to get himself back into top condition.
That is what made this latest setback so hard to take. Howe made it clear how much sympathy he has for Livramento, praising the effort and dedication the defender showed during his recovery.
According to the Newcastle boss, Livramento looked strong and sharp again, making the injury all the more cruel. While there is still no exact timeline, Howe confirmed that the defender will be unavailable for a period of time.
The problems do not end there for Newcastle. Fabian Schar is also set to be out for the foreseeable future after picking up an ankle issue. Howe confirmed there has been no change in Schar’s situation and revealed that the defender will need to see a specialist.
Although further details are still to come, it is clear that Schar will not be returning anytime soon, adding to the growing list of defensive absentees.
With two defenders sidelined in quick succession, questions are now being asked about Newcastle’s approach to squad depth and whether the club needs to act in the transfer market. Howe was asked if the club had been reacting to injuries rather than planning ahead, and his response was calm but honest.
He explained that Newcastle have taken what they believe to be the right approach so far, but admitted the situation is being reviewed on a daily basis. Losing players in defensive areas was the one thing the club hoped to avoid, yet that is exactly what has happened.
Howe stressed that discussions are ongoing behind the scenes and that decisions are not taken lightly. The club is constantly assessing the situation, trying to balance short-term needs with long-term planning. He made it clear that there is no panic, but there is an understanding that the squad must be able to cope with the demands ahead.
The recent FA Cup match highlighted the risks Newcastle are currently facing. Extra time pushed several players to their physical limits, increasing the chance of further injuries. Howe admitted that, ideally, the club would have more players available to reduce that risk. Right now, however, options are limited, and that is forcing players to spend more minutes on the pitch than the manager would like.
As Newcastle prepare for a tough clash against Manchester City, Howe will once again take stock of his available squad. The coming days are likely to be crucial, with detailed conversations taking place about whether defensive reinforcements are needed during the January transfer window. While no final decision has been made, Howe’s words suggest the club understands the seriousness of the situation.
For now, Newcastle must cope with another injury blow and hope that no further problems arise. Livramento’s latest setback is a harsh reminder of how quickly momentum can be halted in football, and the club’s next steps could shape the remainder of their season.
