Newcastle United star dealt injury setback after two weeks out as 'emergency' claim made

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has revealed he was only able to call on Tino Livramento in an “emergency” against Crystal Palace.

The Magpies’ four-game unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end at Selhurst Park following a second-half brace from Jean-Philippe Mateta. Livramento was an unused substitute with the right-back still suffering from an ankle injury that caused him to miss recent matches Everton and Fulham.

Reflecting on United’s first fixture in 10 days, Howe told reporters: “Difficult period for us because we still have players that aren’t 100% fit so we had a very, very small training group in between games and that limits your options really.

“Tino Livramento is still struggling with his ankle, hence why he didn’t come on the pitch. He was there really for an emergency so we’ve been training with 12-13 players in the last 10 days.”

Newcastle face a quick turnaround, hosting relegation threatened Sheffield United at St James’ Park on Saturday. And Howe admits he is uncertain if Livramento will make an appearance.

He said: “Well I’m not sure. We certainly don’t want to give him a longer term problem. He’s technically fit enough to enter the pitch but sort of high risk, and we want to make sure we don’t give him a longer-term problem. But it all depends what players I have available.”

The Magpies were without 10 senior players for their visit to South London, including Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope, Joelinton and Miguel Almiron. They did, however, welcome back Callum Wilson after two months out.