Eddie Howe admits “worrying signs” over Tino Livramento injury ahead of Chelsea clash

Newcastle United’s injury problems deepened in midweek after Tino Livramento was forced off with a knee issue during the 2–1 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Fulham. With Eddie Howe’s defensive options already depleted, the 23-year-old’s setback arrives at the worst possible moment, casting fresh uncertainty ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea.

Livramento, who had been asked to deputise at left-back due to the shortage of available defenders, went down in the second half and required treatment before being substituted in the 76th minute. He was later seen moving gingerly with an ice pack strapped to his left knee, immediately prompting concern from the Newcastle bench and supporters inside St James’ Park.

His withdrawal underscored the strain on Howe’s back line, which has been stretched to breaking point by a combination of injuries and fixture congestion. Lewis Hall’s absence on Wednesday — coupled with Dan Burn’s recent rib fracture — meant Livramento had already been carrying increased responsibility on the opposite flank. Losing him now would be a significant tactical blow heading into one of the club’s most important fixtures of the festive period.

After the match, Eddie Howe struck a sombre tone when asked about Livramento’s condition, revealing the incident had immediately set off alarm bells.

“It looks like a knee problem and Tino’s had issues with knee injuries before,” Howe said. “So the fact he had to come off, and he’s such an honest, dependable lad, that sends worrying signs really for his participation maybe in the Chelsea game. Let’s wait and see.”

Howe’s concern is rooted not only in the immediate discomfort Livramento showed, but also in the defender’s history with knee problems. Earlier this season, he missed more than a month with ligament damage to the same knee. Prior to joining Newcastle, he endured a long-term layoff following an ACL injury suffered in April 2022 while playing for Southampton.

For Newcastle, who have leaned heavily on Livramento’s versatility, any repeat absence would be hugely disruptive.

Since his arrival, Livramento has become one of Howe’s most trusted performers — a defender capable of covering both full-back positions, adjusting to structural tweaks and maintaining defensive intensity. His athleticism and composure have made him invaluable in a season continually derailed by injuries.

His earlier spell on the sidelines had already left Newcastle exposed during the autumn period. His return in November restored energy and balance to a unit struggling to maintain continuity. Losing him again now would leave Howe with even fewer solutions at a time when fixtures are coming thick and fast.

The Livramento setback adds to an already severe defensive crisis. Dan Burn is out with fractured ribs, Sven Botman remains unavailable, and both Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are sidelined. The cluster of injuries in the same positions has forced Howe into creative reshuffles, including using midfielders in deeper roles and relying on academy players when necessary.

The Newcastle manager did at least offer a glimmer of encouragement regarding Lewis Hall:
“Lewis, we’re more positive on,” Howe said. “He couldn’t play today. He felt some tightness in his hamstring, but he has a chance for Chelsea. We’ve got a number of injuries to the same position, which is never good.”

Even so, Newcastle’s situation remains perilous, with Chelsea visiting at a moment when Howe’s defensive structure is more fragile than at any point this season.

Newcastle will monitor Livramento closely in the coming days, but the quick turnaround leaves little time for recovery. Given his injury history, Howe may be reluctant to take risks, even for a high-profile fixture. A late fitness test is likely, though an absence would once again force the head coach to reshuffle a back line already stretched beyond comfort.

The level of improvisation required from Howe has increased week by week. If Livramento misses out, Newcastle could face Chelsea with a patched-up defence lacking natural full-backs on either side — a daunting prospect considering the attacking threats they will face.

Newcastle will spend the next 48 hours assessing Livramento’s fitness while preparing contingency plans for Chelsea. With defensive injuries stacking up, Howe faces another difficult selection headache as he attempts to keep Newcastle competitive during a brutal run of fixtures.

👉 Newcastle fans — should Howe risk Livramento if he is even partially fit, or prioritise long-term protection?