The injury bug has been a persistent shadow over Newcastle United this season, and perhaps no absence has been felt as keenly as that of Tino Livramento. The talented full-back was sidelined during the team’s FA Cup triumph over Bournemouth earlier this month, a moment that sent a wave of anxiety through the St. James’ Park faithful.
Since his arrival from Southampton, Livramento has established himself as a vital component of Eddie Howe’s tactical setup. Alongside Lewis Hall, he helped modernize the team’s approach, providing the pace and defensive intelligence that sparked a significant mid-season turnaround.
Because he has faced injury hurdles in the past, seeing him go down under the lights at Bournemouth felt like a particularly cruel blow to a squad already stretched to its limits.
For several weeks, the exact nature of the damage remained a mystery, with the club keeping details close to their chest. It was obvious from the outset that this wasn’t a minor knock he could simply shake off in a few days. Eddie Howe’s initial assessment was somber, warning that the defender would be out for a considerable period.
However, during his most recent press conference ahead of the highly anticipated trip to face Liverpool at Anfield, the manager finally offered a more concrete timeline for the young star’s return.
Howe confirmed that Livramento is scheduled for a second scan today to evaluate how the healing process is progressing. The results of this scan are pivotal; if the medical team sees the improvement they are hoping for, Livramento will be given the green light to begin outdoor running drills.
While he is still a long way from match fitness, having a target date provides a much-needed psychological boost for both the player and the supporters. Howe estimated that, provided there are no unforeseen setbacks, the defender should be back in contention by early March.
This means the club will have to navigate another five to six weeks without him, but it effectively dispels the rumors that his season was over before it truly hit its stride.
The timing of this recovery is significant for reasons that extend beyond the pitch. Speculation has been mounting regarding Livramento’s long-term future on Tyneside. Manchester City has reportedly been keeping a close watch on his development, and the fact that the player has chosen to delay any discussions regarding a new contract until the end of the season has only fueled the fire.
For some fans, the fear was that the injury against Bournemouth might have been the last time they saw him in a Newcastle shirt. Knowing that he is on track for a March return at least guarantees that he will have the opportunity to contribute to the final push of the campaign.
Livramento’s importance to the team cannot be overstated. His ability to transition from defense to attack with blistering speed allows Newcastle to play the high-intensity, overlapping style that Eddie Howe demands. Without him, the team has occasionally looked more predictable and less balanced.
His return in March would coincide with a crucial run of fixtures, including the latter stages of European competition and the business end of the Premier League season. Having a fresh, motivated Livramento back in the lineup could be the difference between a strong finish and a disappointing slide down the table.
While the prospect of him leaving in the summer remains a concern for many, the immediate focus is purely on his health. The second scan today will dictate the intensity of his rehabilitation program over the coming weeks.
The medical staff at Newcastle are notoriously cautious, preferring to ensure a player is 100% ready rather than risking a recurrence of an injury. If the news is positive, the road to recovery will move from the treatment room to the training pitches.
Newcastle fans will be checking for updates with bated breath, hoping that their star full-back can make one last major impact before the summer transfer window opens and the next chapter of his career begins.
