Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United have been handed another potential defensive setback ahead of the new Premier League season, with Tino Livramento now not expected to be fit for the opening-day clash against Liverpool.
The versatile defender has been working his way back from the injury he suffered while on international duty with England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to the latest update from Newcastle reporter Craig Hope, Livramento is continuing his rehabilitation but is unlikely to recover in time for Newcastle’s first league fixture.
Livramento’s injury originally forced him out of England’s World Cup squad. The 23-year-old picked up a calf problem during training shortly before England’s opening match and was subsequently replaced in Thomas Tuchel’s squad by Trevoh Chalobah.
Newcastle later confirmed that Livramento underwent a minor surgical procedure following the injury. The club initially expected him to return during pre-season, giving supporters hope that he would be available for the beginning of the new campaign.
However, his recovery has taken longer than initially hoped.
The latest information suggests that the former Southampton defender remains short of full fitness as Newcastle prepare for a huge opening fixture against Liverpool on August 23. Recent reports have also described Livramento as a doubt for the match, meaning the club are facing a race against time to have him available for the start of the campaign.
His potential absence would be a blow for Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle. Livramento has become an important part of Newcastle’s defensive setup because of his versatility, athleticism and ability to operate on either side of the defence.
The timing is particularly unfortunate given the quality of the opposition. Newcastle will begin their Premier League campaign against Liverpool, with the fixture expected to provide an early test for Jaissle and his new-look side.
Liverpool themselves have experienced injury problems in defence during pre-season and recently strengthened their back line with the loan signing of Ronald Araujo from Barcelona.
For Newcastle, the priority will therefore be ensuring that Livramento does not suffer another setback by being rushed back too soon.
If he misses the Liverpool game, the club will have to rely on the other defensive options available to Jaissle. Lewis Hall and other members of the squad could be required to shoulder additional responsibility, depending on the manager’s tactical plans and the fitness of the rest of the defensive group.
Livramento’s absence would also be frustrating for the player himself. After fighting his way into England’s plans, seeing his World Cup campaign ended by injury was a major disappointment. He is now focused on completing his rehabilitation and returning to competitive football as soon as possible.
For Newcastle supporters, the hope will be that this is only a short-term setback and that Livramento can return to full fitness shortly after the Liverpool fixture.
The opening-day clash is fast approaching, but with the defender still recovering, Newcastle may have to prepare for life without one of their key defensive players when the new Premier League campaign gets underway.
Newcastle fans will now be keeping a very close eye on Livramento’s recovery over the coming days.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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