Tino Livramento has not featured for Newcastle United since the FA Cup win over Bournemouth on January 10.
Eddie Howe has confirmed that Tino Livramento is close to making a Newcastle United comeback.
The full-back has not featured since the FA Cup victory over Bournemouth on January 10. Livramento’s absence has been a huge blow, with Kieran Trippier unable to catch a breather in defence.
Likewise, his ability to cover on either flank also prevented Lewis Hall - albeit 14 years Trippier’s junior - from having a rest. A string of injuries has seen Livramento make just 13 Premier League appearances this season.
Eddie Howe gives positive Tino Livramento update
In a positive update, Howe revealed Livramento is ahead of schedule for the Magpies and should return soon. However, he stayed clear of putting the 23-year-old in contention to face Manchester United tonight.
“Yeah, possibly (whether the game is too soon for him),” Howe said. “I think he's getting closer and closer. I know I've asked a lot about him and I understand why because I do the same to the medical team.
“It's like a chain that goes down. We're desperate for him to be back available. But it has to be at the right time and every injury situation is not always as simple as you give a return date and the player comes back.
“There's always little things that can happen either way. I think he's slightly ahead of the schedule initially given. But yeah, he's in the last little bits of his rehab now.”
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Tino Livramento on Newcastle United future
Livramento has been subject of transfer speculation throughout the campaign and gave an ambiguous answer to NewcastleWorld when asked about his future in November. At the time, new sporting director Ross Wilson had recently called his contract a “top” priority.
“That's nothing that I'm in control of,” Livramento said. “I leave that to my dad, to my agent. For me, I've been out for seven weeks. I've been working really hard to come back and obviously help the team.
“I'm very happy with how I've played (against Man City). That's my focus, staying where I'm at now. That's always been my focus. Helping the team as much as I can.”
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