Livramento injured his thigh in the closing stages of last weekend’s home defeat to Bournemouth, with an initial scan having revealed muscular damage.
The full-back is set to have another scan this weekend, and while the injury is not believed to be especially serious, Howe has conceded Livramento could have played his final game of the current campaign, with England’s World Cup opener in the United States now less than two months away.
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“Tino went for a scan initially,” said the Magpies boss. “We don’t think it’s a bad injury, but we’ll wait and see whether he plays again this season. He’s due to have another scan at the weekend to determine the full extent of his time out.
“Tino’s had a frustrating season. He had such an outstanding season last year, he was fit and available and really contributed to what we delivered. This year’s been different, that’s just the life of a footballer I’m afraid. He’s never been able to get that run of games to really find his best form, but he’s an outstanding player and we just hope he has a better run around the corner.”
Anthony Gordon has also been ruled out of tomorrow’s game at title-chasing Arsenal as his hip injury continues to prevent him from training.
“Anthony won’t make the game,” confirmed Howe. “He hasn’t trained this week. Again, it’s not a serious injury, but he hasn’t trained for this game. Hopefully, he’ll make the next one.”
Bruno Guimaraes should return to the starting line-up at the Emirates, having been a second-half substitute in last weekend’s St James’ Park loss to Bournemouth.
“He’s [Guimaraes] had a full week of training and has trained very well,” said Howe. “I’ve been pleased with him. It’s been tough for him, I think you could see against Bournemouth he came on with all the right intentions to deliver a good, physical performance, but you could also see that at times, physically, he was struggling to adapt to the pace because he’d had minimal training. He was playing on heart, spirit and determination, but the week he’s had this week will serve him really well.
“He’s such an important player for us on so many levels so of course we’re keen to get him on the pitch as quickly as possible, I’ve just got to make sure it’s not to his detriment. It’s been great to have him back around the group though, he’s such a positive person he can only help to inspire the players around him.”