Newcastle United Faces Defensive Crisis Following Livramento Injury
Head coach Eddie Howe has acknowledged that Newcastle United's defensive options are becoming increasingly limited after Tino Livramento was sidelined for up to two months due to a hamstring injury.
The defender sustained the injury during a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Bournemouth in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Livramento had only recently returned from a knee injury earlier this month, and Howe expressed his disappointment, stating he was "absolutely devastated for him because he’s worked so hard to come back."
The 23-year-old, who has earned three caps for England, now faces a race against time to regain fitness ahead of the March internationals against Japan and Uruguay.
This setback leaves Newcastle short on defensive personnel, especially with Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, and Emil Krafth already unavailable.
“Defensively we’re really stretched,” Howe remarked after his team’s 2-0 defeat in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City.
“We’re hoping Dan will be back pretty soon, which would give us a massive lift. Of course, the transfer market is still open to us.”
Burn is recovering from a broken rib and punctured lung sustained during the derby defeat against Sunderland but could return by the end of the month.
Howe also has the option to recall left-back Matt Targett, who is currently on loan at Middlesbrough. With two-and-a-half weeks remaining in the transfer window, the club has time to make necessary adjustments.
Newcastle has funds available for potential signings, but Howe is mindful that any mid-season acquisitions could affect the club's strategy for the summer transfer window, which may offer better options and value.
Howe has expressed uncertainty about whether the "right player" can be found during this transfer period.
Currently, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall, Kieran Trippier, and midfielder Lewis Miley, who has adeptly filled in at right-back, are the only senior defensive options available as the team prepares for their upcoming match against Wolves on Sunday.
Following that, Newcastle will face a challenging schedule, including matches against PSV, Aston Villa (twice), Paris St-Germain, Liverpool, Manchester City, Brentford, and Tottenham within a span of 24 days.