Newcastle are facing a defensive injury crisis
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Newcastle have been left sweating over the fitness of Tino Livramento ahead of their game against Chelsea.
Livramento suffered what Eddie Howe called a “worrying” knee injury in Wednesday’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Fulham.
The full-back is now a major doubt to face Chelsea in what is a huge game for both clubs at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Livramento was seen with heavy strapping around his left knee after being forced off in the 76th minute as Newcastle left it late to beat Fulham and reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Tino Livramento suffered a ‘worrying’ knee injury on Wednesday
The 23-year-old has struggled with injuries to his left knee throughout his career, and Howe admitted during his post-match press conference that the initial signs did not look good.
Newcastle are down to the bare bones in defence ahead of the Chelsea game.
Left-back Lewis Hall missed the Fulham win with a hamstring injury, while centre-back Dan Burn has been ruled out for between four to six weeks after suffering a broken rib and a punctured lung against Sunderland last weekend.
“It looks like a knee problem and Tino’s had issues with knee injuries before,” Howe said.
“So the fact he had to come off and he’s such an honest, dependable lad - that sends worrying signs, really, for his participation maybe in the Chelsea game. Let’s wait and see.”
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Howe added: “Lewis we’re more positive on. He couldn’t play today. He felt some tightness in his hamstring, but he has a chance for Chelsea. We’ve got a number of injuries to the same position, which is never good.
Defenders Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are also sidelined, and Howe admitted the club are considering the possibility of recalling left-back Matt Targett from his loan at Middlesbrough.
Howe said: “We’ll make that decision closer to the date where we have to, but certainly at the moment… I don’t have many more rabbits to pull out of the hat to be honest, so we’re in dangerous territory, so let’s see.”