‘Hopefully’ - Newcastle United handed huge Tino Livramento injury boost just days before Man Utd clash
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Newcastle United latest news: Eddie Howe has offered a positive update on Tino Livramento’s injury.
Eddie Howe has confirmed that he is ‘hopeful’ of good news on Tino Livramento’s potential return to fitness.
Livramento hobbled off during Newcastle United’s win over Fulham in the Carabao Cup last week amid fears that he had suffered a serious knee injury. Speaking in the immediate aftermath of that game, Howe admitted that Livramento’s injury ‘did not look good’.
The former Southampton man suffered a serious ACL injury during his final full season at St Mary’s and then injured his other knee earlier this season, one that saw him miss eight weeks of football during October and November. Fears that Livramento was again set for a prolonged period of the sidelines came at the worst possible time for the Magpies as they deal with a defensive injury crisis.
None of Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn or Emil Krafth are expected back until January, whilst Sven Botman also remains sidelined through injury. Howe, though, revealed on Tuesday ahead of his side’s trip to Manchester United that he is hopeful of good news on Livramento’s return to action: “We don't actually [have a conclusive update].
“It's a difficult one because there's quite a bit of information on Tino. We're waiting to get full clarification.
“We're hoping it's not serious at all and he can resume training quite quickly. But before confirming that, we want to be sure we're right. We haven't got clarity on that, but hopefully it's good news.”
Newcastle United injury news v Manchester United
Elsewhere, there is hope that Joelinton is closing in on a return to action. The Brazilian has missed their last three outings with a groin injury, with Howe admitting last week that he would only use him in ‘emergency circumstances’.
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Having been an unused substitute at the weekend, there is hope that Joelinton can once again be a full option for Howe to consider, and the Magpies head coach has revealed that his return to action could even come as quickly as Friday: “Joelinton's getting closer now, I think, to being able to participate,” Howe revealed.
“We'll see how he trains today, see how he looks, and make a decision.”
Newcastle United head to Old Trafford having won five of their last six matches against the Red Devils in all competitions. Those wins included a first-ever Premier League double over Manchester United last season.
A 4-1 triumph at St James’ Park in April, one in which the Magpies were led by Jason Tindall, was preceded by a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture in Manchester. That game took place just-shy of a year ago on December 30, 2024 and was sealed by early goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton.
Although they have now won two of their last three matches at Old Trafford, and Howe has lost just one of his four visits to the stadium since being appointed as Magpies manager, Newcastle United still have a terrible record at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ and know that they must right the wrongs of a poor league record away from St James’ Park this season if they want to come away with a win on Boxing Day.