Tino Livramento hints at Newcastle return as Liverpool opener approaches

Tino Livramento has hinted that his Newcastle United return is getting closer, providing a potentially encouraging update ahead of the Magpies' Premier League opener against Liverpool.

The 23-year-old has not featured throughout pre-season after suffering a calf injury which also forced him to withdraw from England's World Cup squad.

Livramento remains a doubt for the Liverpool game on August 23, but his latest social media activity suggests he is making progress towards returning to action.

Livramento has endured a difficult 2026, starting only three competitive Newcastle matches since the beginning of the year.

The right-back has previously shared pictures of himself working in the gym in the United States as part of his rehabilitation.

He has now reposted those images on Instagram alongside an hourglass emoji, appearing to suggest that the wait for his comeback is nearing an end.

There is still no confirmed return date, and Newcastle have not indicated that Livramento will definitely be available against Liverpool.

With the new Premier League campaign just over a week away, however, his apparent progress will be welcomed by Matthias Jaissle.

Livramento is not Newcastle's only injury concern ahead of the opening weekend.

Fabian Schar has been unavailable since suffering a groin problem during the 1-1 pre-season draw against Gateshead last month.

The centre-back travelled with Newcastle to Spain but trained individually at La Manga.

Jaissle is hopeful Schar can return to team training shortly and potentially receive some minutes during Newcastle's final pre-season fixtures.

"[Schar] is on the way back now. Hopefully, in the next days he will be included in the team training."

Lewis Miley is making similar progress after suffering a broken fibula towards the end of last season.

The midfielder is already back working on the grass, with Newcastle hoping to integrate him into team sessions before potentially giving him some minutes.

"We're hoping that in the next few days, [Miley] can be in the team sessions integrated, and hopefully, also he will get some minutes then."

Newcastle have two final opportunities to build fitness before Liverpool arrive at St James' Park.

The Magpies face Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday and Strasbourg on Sunday, with Jaissle expected to spread minutes across his squad.

Dan Burn is available again following his post-World Cup break and could feature in one of those matches.

Goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen remains unavailable with a back problem, while Nick Pope has also not featured in Newcastle's recent friendlies after being made available for a transfer before the window closes.

The major question surrounding Livramento is whether his recovery progresses quickly enough for him to be considered against Liverpool.

Newcastle's final two friendlies could provide a clearer picture of Jaissle's squad ahead of Liverpool. Schar and Miley are both pushing to return to team training and could potentially receive minutes this weekend, while Burn is also available again.

Livramento appears to be progressing, but there is currently no confirmation that he will be ready for the Liverpool opener. The coming week will therefore be crucial in determining whether the right-back can return in time for Newcastle's first Premier League match of the season.