Daily Mail’s Craig Hope has revealed that Tino Livramento is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after scans confirmed the severity of his latest injury.
“Newcastle defender Tino Livramento is facing up to eight weeks out with a hamstring injury,” Hope reported.
The setback comes at a damaging moment in the season, with Newcastle set to play twice a week through to March, including both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City after losing the first one 2-0 on Tuesday.
“Scan results
have confirmed what the club feared and they will be without the England full back during a busy period of two games per week between now and March, including both legs of the Carabao Cup semi final against Manchester City.”
Livramento was forced off during the second half of Newcastle’s FA Cup tie against Bournemouth on Saturday, immediately raising concern on the touchline.
“Livramento was forced off during the second half of Newcastle’s FA Cup tie with Bournemouth on Saturday and boss Eddie Howe said afterwards that the problem did not look good,” Hope wrote. “Subsequent tests have shown damage serious enough to keep the 23-year-old sidelined for between six and eight weeks.”
There is cautious optimism that the defender could still feature later in the season if his recovery progresses smoothly, but the setback has put the World Cup participation for the youngster in danger.
“If his recovery goes well, he could be back around the start of March, in time for a potential Carabao Cup final and England’s final two friendlies before Thomas Tuchel names his World Cup squad.”
With options limited, Newcastle are now weighing up emergency measures.
“They must now assess whether to enter the transfer market and bring in cover,” Hope wrote. “The club are exploring a recall for defender Matt Targett, currently on loan at Middlesbrough.”
However, Hope noted that such a move may not be so straightforward.
“It is thought Targett would prefer to remain on Teesside and play regular football, especially with his contract set to expire this summer.”
