Tino Livramento’s injury is a terrible blow for Newcastle United.
At the time of writing, there haven’t been any official updates on the defender after Livramento was stretchered off for Newcastle United against Arsenal with a knee injury.
It feels wise not to speculate on the length of time the 22-year-old could be facing out of action until there is some official confirmation.
However, no matter how long Livramento is facing on the sidelines, Newcastle will miss him.
The England international is a wonderful player, a key part of the first-team set-up under Eddie Howe and someone who can operate in a number of positions.
With that in mind, Geordie Boot Boys looks at three players who need to step up. Kieran Trippier and Lewis Hall will deputise but they cannot play every game during an intensely busy schedule.
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Leo Shahar
The club have high hopes for the Newcastle United academy player.
Shahar has trained with the Newcastle first-team, with the 18-year-old reportedly impressing coaches behind the scenes.
Right-back Shahar looks an exciting player and while it would be unwise to throw him into any huge games right now, a lack of available options at right-back could see him called upon.
Both Trippier and Emil Krafth are well over 30, so youth may need to get a chance in Livramento’s absence. Lewis Miley has previously proven that Newcastle’s youngsters can play a big role under Howe.
Harrison Ashby
Harrison Ashby has never made a competitive appearance for Newcastle since joining the club alongside Anthony Gordon in January 2023.
The former West Ham defender, however, was surprisingly named in the club’s Premier League squad for this season despite spending most of his time on the books out on loan.
A right-back by trade, the 23-year-old is a slightly more experienced option behind Trippier and Krafth, although not at Premier League level.
Still, for Howe, it may be a case of ‘needs must’.
Alex Murphy
Swapping over to the left-back position now, Alex Murphy will surely want to establish himself as Hall’s main competition if Livramento is missing for a while.
Dan Burn was played at left-back against Arsenal but, given his form when playing centrally this season, it’s hard to see that experiment carrying on.
Murphy played a fair amount during pre-season while Hall was still getting over his own injury.
Newcastle stopped Murphy from leaving during the transfer window, with fellow left-back Matt Targett eventually the one to depart.
Howe does have experienced options to replace Livramento but seeing this trio of young players perform well when called upon would be a major boost considering the sheer number of games Newcastle have to play.
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