Newcastle United have been dealt a significant blow as promising defender Tino Livramento is expected to miss up to two months following a knee injury sustained during their recent clash with Arsenal. The young full-back’s injury timeline has been clarified after initial fears of a serious setback, offering a glimmer of hope for the Magpies and their manager Eddie Howe.
Injury Incident and Initial Concerns
The 22-year-old England international suffered the injury late in Newcastle’s defeat to Arsenal when he awkwardly landed after challenging William Saliba. Visibly distressed and unable to continue, Livramento was stretchered off, sparking fears of a possible re-rupture of his ACL — a serious injury he had endured in 2022. The severity of the situation unsettled fans and staff alike, given the defender’s importance to the squad.
Updated Diagnosis and Recovery Outlook
Following thorough scans conducted on Tuesday, Newcastle’s medical team revealed that while Livramento’s injury involves damaged knee ligaments, it is fortunately less severe than initially feared. The full-back is now expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, potentially causing him to miss around ten upcoming fixtures. Despite the setback, this prognosis offers some relief compared to the worst-case scenario.
Eddie Howe emphasized the defender’s value, stating, “It doesn’t sound great. The fact he came off on a stretcher is not looking good. He’s such a big player for us in so many different ways – his versatility, his attitude, his quality. If we’re going to miss that for any length of time, it is going to be a huge blow.”
Impact on Newcastle’s Squad and Injury List
Livramento’s injury adds to a growing list of absences, with summer signings Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey also sidelined, neither having yet debuted for the club. This has put additional pressure on Howe and his squad as they navigate the Premier League campaign.
Nick Woltemade’s Debut and Transfer Fee Controversy
Amidst injury concerns, newcomer Nick Woltemade has stepped into the spotlight. The 23-year-old German striker recently made his debut for Newcastle, quickly adapting to the team despite minimal preparation time. Howe defended Woltemade after Bayern Munich executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge criticized the club’s £69 million transfer fee, calling it “an idiot’s” decision.
Howe dismissed such comments, saying, “The market forces dictate transfer fees, not necessarily any one club. We’re very pleased to have Nick with us. The transfer fee is absolutely irrelevant. What he’s going to be judged on is how he performs in the team and what he gives to the club going forward.”
