Newcastle United get major injury boost hours before kick-off against Manchester City
Newcastle United double boost ahead of their FA Cup fifth round tie at home to Manchester City.
Newcastle United have been handed a major injury boost for tonight’s FA Cup fifth round clash at home to Manchester City.
Following two months out with a hamstring injury, Tino Livramento is back in the matchday squad and on the bench.
The 23-year-old hasn’t featured since the third round penalty shootout victory over AFC Bournemouth. A win against Man City will see Eddie Howe’s side progress into the last eight of the competition.
Tino Livramento returns to Newcastle United squad
Speaking at his Friday press conference, Howe hinted at Livramento’s involvement.
“He's getting there,” Howe said. “Let's wait and see. He hasn't trained with us yet, but we hope that he will be very, very soon.
“He's done a lot of work, so there's no question on how his fitness is in the sense that his cardiovascular fitness will be really high. He's been running for a long time, so he's got a lot of work behind him, but it's just that training time and that involvement with us.
“But he's been with all our coaches and done enough and he's looked really good, so I think he's there or thereabouts.”
Nick Woltemade back from illness
Meanwhile, Nick Woltemade is also back after missing Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Manchester United through illness, and he could again line up in midfield as Jacob Ramsey serves a one-match suspension.
“Yeah, Nick should be okay,” Howe added. “Nick had an illness and lost a little bit of weight, didn't eat for a few days, so I think we needed to be smart with him. But he's trained yesterday individually and felt okay, so that's a positive.”
Newcastle United confirmed starting XI v Manchester City
Woltemade is among four changes to the starting XI as Will Osula, who scored the late winner against Man United, Sven Botman and Joe Willock coming in for Anthony Gordon, Joelinton, Dan Burn and the suspended Jacob Ramsey.
Newcastle United XI: Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Trippier (c), Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Malick Thiaw, Will Osula, Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade, Joe Willock.
Substitutes: Nick Pope, Joelinton, Yoane Wissa, Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento, Jacob Murphy, Dan Burn, Alex Murphy, Sean Neave.