Wednesday night brought a mix of relief and anxiety for Newcastle United supporters, and the concern surrounding Tino Livramento briefly overshadowed what was otherwise a memorable evening at St James’ Park.
The full-back’s injury scare against Fulham instantly raised alarm bells, especially given how thin the squad already is in defensive areas. When Livramento went down and required treatment on the pitch, the mood inside the stadium shifted. Moments like that always feel heavy, and this one was no different.
Livramento was eventually forced off, unable to continue, and the sight of him leaving the field was worrying. Newcastle did push on without him and found a way to win the match, with Lewis Miley’s late header sealing a dramatic victory and sending the club into a third Carabao Cup semi-final in four seasons.
It was a huge moment for the team and the supporters, but there was no escaping the feeling that the cost might be significant.
After the final whistle, Eddie Howe did little to ease fears. Speaking honestly, as he usually does, the Newcastle head coach admitted the situation looked concerning.
He pointed out that the simple fact Livramento had to come off was a bad sign in itself. With Newcastle already stretched at the back, Howe made it clear that losing another defender would be a serious problem. His words reflected the wider frustration around injuries that have piled up at the worst possible time.
Livramento has been one of Newcastle’s most consistent performers this season. His energy, composure, and ability to defend and attack with equal confidence have made him a key figure in the side.
Losing a player of his quality, especially during a busy run of fixtures, would have been a massive blow. That is why the initial reaction was so grim, both on the pitch and in the stands.
Thankfully, the mood has lifted somewhat following a more positive update that emerged through the media. Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, who is widely regarded as a reliable source when it comes to Newcastle injury news, has reported that early fears have not been realised.
According to his information, Livramento has not suffered serious ligament damage, which was the main concern on the night of the Fulham game.
This update changes everything. Instead of facing a long and uncertain absence, Livramento is now expected to miss only a limited number of matches. While any time out is far from ideal, especially for a team already dealing with multiple defensive injuries, the key point is that his season is not over.
There is also reassurance on a personal level, as his long-term prospects, including hopes of being involved in England’s plans heading towards the 2026 World Cup, remain intact.
Newcastle are expected to have a clearer picture of Livramento’s recovery timeline within the next day or so. That clarity will be crucial for Howe as he plans the upcoming fixtures and manages his already stretched squad.
Even a short-term absence will require careful handling, but knowing that one of his most important defenders will return relatively soon offers a huge sense of relief.
For now, Newcastle fans can breathe a little easier. What initially looked like another serious setback has turned into a manageable issue. In a season where injuries have tested the squad’s depth and resilience, this positive update feels like a small but very welcome win.
