The Magpies face Barcelona with a big call to make at right-back with Eddie Howe unsure on his selection
Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier
Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier, Jacob Ramsey and Tino Livramento(Image: PA)
View Image
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has dropped a huge team news hint ahead of the mammoth Champions League clash against Barcelona.
The last 16 encounter sees La Liga side Barca arrive on Tyneside hoping to add to their five European Cup triumphs. Newcastle know they are drinking in the Last Chance Saloon as far as their season is concerned.
Livramento returned against Man City in the FA Cup on Saturday after three months out with a hamstring injury.
When asked if he would start, Howe, speaking at this pre-match Press conference ahead of Barca, said: "He probably hasn't done enough training to be 100% confident he is in a physical enough state to start.
"It's a delicate balance but he trained again this morning, he trained on Friday and it's a massive boost for us to have him back."
That suggests that Howe will be ready to go with Kieran Trippier at right-back once again. The 35-year-old has been a key figure in the second half of the season and could face his last ever Champions League tie if Newcastle go out at this stage.
Howe has Anthony Gordon and Joelinton nursing knocks while Jacob Murphy has a neck problem. All three trained today at Benton in an open session for the media.
Given the huge run of games so far this term, Howe said his squad were coping well. He said: "It's not been a perfect season for us.
"It's not been easy but their attitude has been really good. The players have taken the workload on and we need a big, big physical effort tomorrow.
"The Man City game wasn't ideal preparation but no excuses."
Howe also spoke about the illness that spread around the squad in recent weeks. Jacob Ramsey went off before the second half of the Everton game feeling sick while Nick Woltemade missed the clash with Man United with a similar bug.
Howe said that illness has not left the camp just yet, he said: "No fresh injuries but we have a little bit of illness in the camp. Hopefully, we will have everyone available tomorrow."
Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Everything is Black and White podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.