Newcastle United official injury update rules star man out until 2026 - two could return v Chelsea
Newcastle United v Chelsea: Eddie Howe has provided an injury update ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United return to Premier League action at St James’ Park on Saturday with Eddie Howe looking manage his depleted squad.
The Magpies head into the game suffering from a defensive injury crisis with Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Emil Krafth ruled out. Tino Livramento suffered a knee injury during Wednesday’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Fulham while Lewis Hall missed the match due to a ‘minor hamstring issue’.
Jamaal Lascelles is another defensive option for Newcastle but is still recovering from a recent muscle injury and hasn’t started a competitive match since suffering an ACL injury in March 2024.
As a result of Newcastle’s defensive injury crisis, Eddie Howe’s side ended Wednesday’s match with Under-21s defender Alex Murphy at left-back and 19-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley at right-back.
And Howe explained ahead of the Chelsea game that Hall has a chance of being involved against his former club while Nick Pope is close to returning after six games out with a groin issue.
Tino Livramento ruled out until 2026
Providing an update on Livramento’s knee injury, Howe said: “I don't think it's a serious injury. The complication we have is, I think, Tino has injured that knee before in a very similar area, so that always makes the potential recovery time a little bit longer.”
Livramento suffered an ACL injury during his time at Southampton and almost missed two months earlier this season with an injury to the same knee.
“So I don't think we'll see him possibly before 2026,” Howe added. “It's like any player, when you suffer an injury to the same area twice, that always adds a layer of complication to it.
“I think it's a minor injury, but it'll keep him out probably a few weeks.”
Lewis Hall in contention to return v Chelsea
On Hall, Howe said: “Yeah, he could be [involved v Chelsea]. He felt some fatigue in his hamstring after the Sunderland game.
“It wasn't evident in the game, it was more the couple of days afterwards. So he had a scan, the scan didn't reveal too much.”
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Newcastle United left-back alternative
Alex Murphy came off the bench to see out the match at left-back against Fulham on Wednesday night. The 21-year-old made his Premier League debut for Newcastle against Chelsea two years ago and could be in line to make his first competitive start for the club this season.
“An important moment for the team,” Howe said reflecting on Murphy’s introduction. “Alex did really well. He's someone that's trained with us for a long time.
“He hasn't had any major game exposure with us, but a lot of training time, a lot of development. He's had a good loan spell [at Bolton Wanderers]. So he's someone that we trust.
“And performances like that will only do him good for the long term.”
Football is BACK - subscribe to our Newcastle United newsletter for all the news straight to your inbox
Looking ahead to Chelsea
Previewing the match against Chelsea, Howe continued: “There's been a lot of change at Chelsea over recent seasons.
“They've gone very youthful with their recruitment. I think long-term you'll definitely see the benefits of that.
“I think very good manager [Enzo Maresca], very good style of play, a very good team.