Newcastle United have been dealt a serious setback following their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at St. James’ Park on Sunday, as highly rated full-back Tino Livramento was forced off the pitch with what is feared to be a serious knee ligament injury.
The young defender, who has been a persistent performer for the Magpies this season, was stretchered off during the second half when Newcastle was still in front. His departure not only unsettled the team’s momentum but also raised concerns among fans and coaching staff alike about the nature of the setback.
Early indications suggested the possibility of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which would represent a devastating blow for both the player and the club.
Livramento is no stranger to such challenges, having previously endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines at Southampton due to an ACL rupture. That injury kept him out of action for almost a year, halting his rapid progress after breaking through as one of the most promising young full-backs in English football.
With this in mind, Sunday’s incident understandably sparked immediate fears that he might be facing another long-term absence.
However, initial post-match reports have provided a glimmer of relief, indicating that the problem may not be a recurrence of the dreaded ACL rupture he suffered earlier in his career.
For Eddie Howe and his squad, the timing could not be worse, as they look to regain form in both domestic and European competitions. Livramento’s absence, whether short or long term, will test Newcastle’s depth and resilience in the coming weeks.
