Newcastle United Faces Defensive Challenges with Livramento Out

Head coach Eddie Howe has acknowledged that Newcastle United’s defensive resources are becoming increasingly strained following the news that Tino Livramento will be sidelined for up to two months due to a hamstring injury.

Livramento sustained the injury while limping off during the team’s thrilling penalty shootout victory against Bournemouth in the FA Cup. This setback comes shortly after his return from a knee injury earlier this month, leaving Howe “absolutely devastated for him, as he has worked diligently to make his comeback.”

The 23-year-old defender, who has earned three caps for England, now faces a race against time to regain his fitness ahead of the upcoming international fixtures against Japan and Uruguay in March.

This injury further depletes Newcastle’s defensive lineup, already impacted by the absences of Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, and Emil Krafth. “We are really stretched defensively,” Howe commented after the team’s 2-0 loss in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City. “We are hoping Dan will return soon, which would provide a significant boost. The transfer market is still open to us as well.”

Burn is recovering from a broken rib and a punctured lung sustained in the derby against Sunderland but could potentially return by the end of the month. Howe also has the option of recalling left-back Matt Targett, currently on loan at Middlesbrough, and there remain two-and-a-half weeks left in the transfer window for the club to explore additional signings.

While Newcastle possesses financial resources for mid-season acquisitions, Howe has expressed concern about the impact such moves might have on their summer transfer plans, as more favorable options may be available then. He has openly questioned whether the “right player” can be obtained during this period.

As they prepare for a busy schedule that includes matches against Wolves, PSV, Aston Villa (twice), Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Manchester City, Brentford, and Tottenham within just 24 days, Newcastle’s only senior defensive options available are Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall, Kieran Trippier, and midfielder Lewis Miley, who has successfully filled in at right-back.