Newcastle will know more on Livramento injury in ‘a couple of days’

Eddie Howe refused to give an indication as to how long Tino Livramento will be sidelined after the Newcastle United defender was taken off on a stretcher during Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal.

Livramento was forced off in the 77th minute against Arsenal in a game that saw Newcastle lose 2-1 as the Gunners produced a stirring fightback with late goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel, the latter netting the winner in the sixth minute of added time.

The cruel reality for Newcastle was that there likely would not have been eight minutes of stoppage time had Livramento avoided an apparent knee injury.

It has yet to be confirmed how long the England full-back will be out, but Howe indicted more will be known about the severity of the setback in a couple of days.

Newcastle still waiting on Livramento news

“I’m better off waiting before giving any indication on that because that could be a mistake,” Howe told a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Union St. Gilloise. “Let’s wait and see in the next couple of days.”

Newcastle have won just once in the Premier League this season despite some strong performances that deserved more. The defeat to Arsenal marked their second of the campaign, with both coming via injury-time winners. Liverpool won 3-2 at St James’ Park in August through Rio Ngumoha’s last-gasp strike.

In the Champions League, Newcastle lost their opener 2-1 against Barcelona despite a spirited effort, Howe’s team ultimately paying the price for failing to take several first-half chances.

Newcastle are the favourites for their first away game of the league phase against the Belgian champions, though, with Howe believing they can use their most recent late agony as fuel to kick-start their season.

“The Arsenal defeat should be a motivator, not a hangover,” Howe added. “We needed to do better in those last few moments.

“It would have been a big point. We need to use that as a motivation.”

Schar to return for Newcastle

Howe confirmed defender Fabian Schar is fit to return from a concussion, giving Newcastle extra options at the back after their rearguard action against Arsenal.

Union opened their league phase campaign with a stunning 3-1 at PSV Eindhoven.

Newcastle cannot afford to take their hosts lightly, with midfielder Joelinton wary that they don’t have much room for error even in an eight-game league phase.

“I feel good and the team feels good,” said Joelinton. “It is all positive and we have an opportunity to win a game.

“It is a massive game, we have a lot of games but we don’t have time to lose any more. I hope we can do it with a good performance.”