Newcastle United suffer major injury blow ahead of crucial run
Eddie Howe admits that Tino Livramento is still not totally fit and expresses uncertainty about the defender’s availability for Newcastle United’s match against Sheffield United this coming weekend.
At Selhurst Park, Jean-Philippe Mateta’s double in the second half doomed the Magpies to a 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace.
Livramento was an unused substitute in the match against the Eagles.
The full-back, who started the game on the bench in Newcastle’s victory against Tottenham, is still dealing with an ankle issue that has kept him out of the game for the majority of the second half of the season.
The availability of Livramento to play at St. James’ Park on Saturday is still unknown.
“Tino is still struggling with his ankle,” said Howe, as reported by The Shields Gazette.
“That’s why he didn’t come onto the pitch. He was there for an emergency, really.
“Can he play at the weekend? I’m not sure. We certainly don’t want to give him a longer-term problem. He’s technically fit enough to be able to enter the pitch, but it’s sort of high risk.
“We want to make sure that we don’t give him a longer-term problem, but in terms of what happens moving forward, it probably depends on what other players I have available.”
Newcastle United boosted by Wilson return
At Selhurst Park, Callum Wilson made his comeback from injury by replacing Harvey Barnes in the 65th minute off the bench.
While on the pitch, the striker was unable to change the outcome of the match, but he emerged from his substitute appearance unhurt, and Howe anticipates that he will become more and more important in the final five games of the season.
Following their loss, Newcastle are currently three points behind sixth-place Manchester United in seventh position.
Howe and his team are hoping to qualify for Europe again, although this time, only a Europa League place is in their sights.
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