Newcastle United injuries: Eddie Howe has been asked if Tino Livramento is ready to start against Barcelona on Tuesday evening.
Newcastle United are back in Champions League action against Barcelona at St James’ Park on Tuesday evening (8pm kick-off).
The Magpies host the five-time European champions at St James’ Park for the second time this season having lost the league phase match 2-1 back in September.
Now they host Barcelona in the first leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League.
After describing the match as ‘the biggest in the club’s history’ following Newcastle’s FA Cup exit to Manchester City on Saturday, head coach Eddie Howe doubled down ahead of Tuesday’s match.
“Yeah, it is [the biggest],” Howe said. “Recent history, I don't know if someone could trip me up going way back, I'm sure they will.
“But I think recent history, for me it is, and I think that's very much the mentality we need. I think rising to the occasion, embracing the size of the game, I think these are the things that have helped us this season and we're looking for the same again.”
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Newcastle United boosted by Tino Livramento return - but will he start?
Tino Livramento returned after two months out with a hamstring injury off the bench on Saturday.
The right-back has only recently returned to full training but has given the side a welcome boost given that 35-year-old Kieran Trippier has been the only available player in the position in recent matches.
But when asked whether Livramento is ready to start such an important match for Newcastle, Howe kept his cards typically close to his chest.
“He probably hasn't done enough training for me to feel 100% confident that he's in that best physical moment, especially for such a big game to start,” Howe explained. “But, he's in our squad and anyone who's in that position obviously is in contention to play.
“So, it's a delicate balance with Tino at the moment. He trained again this morning, he trained again on Friday and he's in good spirits, he's in a good place. He's a massive player for us, it's great to have him back.
“But obviously, I've got to try and get the team section right.”
Eddie Howe provides NUFC fitness update - illness concerns ongoing
Following the Manchester City defeat, Howe revealed that Jacob Murphy was nursing a neck injury and Anthony Gordon was suffering with an ankle problem but was able to get on the pitch as a second half substitute.
Dan Burn and Joelinton also started on the bench against City but have been tipped to return to the starting line-up against Barcelona.
“I think we came through the Manchester City game okay,” Howe told The Gazette. “No fresh injuries. Got a little bit of illness again in the camp, so it's been hanging around in recent days.
“We'll have a player go down, but they're recovering quite quickly, so I anticipate we won't lose anybody. We'll be as we were with Tino Livramento back in the squad.”
Newcastle recently had Nick Woltemade miss out due to illness but he returned straight to the starting line-up against Manchester City on Saturday.
Newcastle will also be boosted by the return of Jacob Ramsey, who missed the City game due to suspension.
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