Howe has been dealt a fresh blowplaceholder image
Howe has been dealt a fresh blow | Getty Images
Newcastle United have been dealt a fresh injury blow ahead of their Premier League clash with Chelsea.
Newcastle Untied have been handed a fresh injury blow ahead of their Premier League clash with Chelsea this weekend. The Magpies picked up a much-needed Carabao Cup win over Fulham on Wednesday night, advancing to the semi-final days after a painful Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland.
That defeat left Newcastle in 12th, four points behind their local rivals and perhaps more importantly, six points off the top four after a poor start to the season, at least by their new-found standards.
The positive for Newcastle is that they have a chance to reduce that gap by beating Chelsea this weekend, but their task has not been made easier by the loss of a key player to injury.
Chelsea youth product Tino Livramento was forced off in the late 2-1 win over Fulham with what appeared to be a knee injury. The versatile full-back has suffered a serious knee injury in the past, and he also spent a couple of months out with another knee issue.
Speaking to this latest blow, the extent of which is not yet clear, Eddie Howe said: “Tino’s injury is the big negative. We don’t know but it’s not looking good. It looks like a knee problem, and Tino’s had issues with knee injuries before.
“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.”
It’s almost certain that Livramento will be out with the Chelsea game. Even if he it does only turn out to be a scare, it would be a bad idea for Newcastle to keep up the load on his knee, which has had issues before, with two games in one week.
Elsewhere, the Magpies fans were also handed a scare when Lewis Hall, another Chelsea youth product, was left out for the Fulham game. Howe explained: “Lewis, we’re more positive on. He couldn’t play today because of tightness in his hamstring. But he has a chance for Chelsea.”
Last but not least, Howe clarified that Joelinton will be involved in some capacity against Chelsea after not being risked against Fulham despite being on the bench.
“Joelinton is nursing a groin problem,” said the Newcastle boss. “He’s fit to a point, but it would only be in an emergency situation. Defending a corner in the last few moments for example. He’s training but he’s maybe not executing everything normally.”
Continue Reading