Eddie Howe has issued a Newcastle injury update ahead of his side’s trip to Manchester United, revealing that Tino Livramento remains ruled out of action.
Livramento Out Against Manchester United
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has confirmed that Tino Livramento remains ruled out of action for Friday’s trip to Manchester United after the defender suffered a knee injury.
The 23-year-old was forced off during his side’s 2-1 victory over Fulham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals last week, forcing him to miss the 2-2 draw against Chelsea on Saturday.
He missed all of October and the majority of November due to another knee injury earlier this term, however Howe is hopeful that the concern isn’t quite as serious this time around.
“It’s a difficult one because there’s quite a bit of information on Tino,” Howe told the media.
“We’re waiting to get full clarification but, hopefully, it’s not serious at all and he can resume training quite quickly. Before confirming that, we want to be sure it’s right.
“We haven’t got clarity on that but hopefully it’s good news.”
Meanwhile, Howe revealed that Nick Pope could be back in contention.
The England international has been out of action for close to a month with a groin issue, with Aaron Ramsdale starting in his place, but he looks set to return to the squad this weekend.
“There’s a chance [that Pope is named in the matchday squad on Friday]. He hasn’t trained yet but we hope he might train today so let’s see how he does.”
“We haven’t got clarity but we’re hoping for good news”
Eddie Howe admits that he is yet to know the full extent of Tino Livramento’s injury but provides positive news on Nick Pope and Sven Botman 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/AZDODNxb14
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 23, 2025
Howe also provided an update on Sven Botman, who has been out with a back issue.
“Sven will be in the category of the group of players that are doing well. We hope to get him back pretty soon. When that day is, I’m not 100% sure.
“He hasn’t trained with the group yet but potentially good news. We don’t think he’s too far away.”
Despite their poor injury records since arriving at St. James’ Park, both Livramento and Botman are in talks over signing new long-term contracts with the club.
Newcastle Injury Update: Absentee List Remains Lengthy
In addition to the aforementioned injury concerns, the Magpies are set to be without a further five first-team stars for their Boxing Day clash in the North West on Friday evening.
Their defensive department is a particular area of concern.
Alongside Livramento and Botman, Jamaal Lascelles (muscular), Emil Krafth (knee), Kieran Trippier (thigh) and Dan Burn (ribs) are all out, leaving them incredibly light at the back.
Midfielder Lewis Miley was forced to deputise at right-back against Chelsea last weekend.
There had been concerns that he too had suffered an injury last time out. Howe has since confirmed that Miley got through the game ‘okay’, but that they’ll need to manage his minutes.
“I believe Lewis came through okay. We are aware that he had a little reaction to his hamstring, but I think he came through the game fine with no ill effects.
“But there will be parts of us that are nursing him and get him through the upcoming games. He is someone we are going to keep an eye on.”
Joelinton’s fitness levels have also been a concern, having been an unused substitute in his side’s last three matches, and Howe provided the latest on the Brazilian in his press conference.
“Joelinton is getting closer to being able to participate. We will see how he trains and looks today and make a decision.”
Elsewhere, Danish forward William Osula is out with an ankle problem.
Yoane Wissa, having spent close to three months on the sidelines after his move in the summer, is back in contention and could make his first league start for the club this weekend.
The Magpies head into Friday’s clash in a lowly 11th place in the English top-flight table.
They have managed just one win across their last seven away matches in all competitions.
Their inconsistent form has seen pressure pile on Howe in recent weeks, with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola favoured to replace him in the next Newcastle manager betting odds market.
