Newcastle handed major blow as England star discovers length of injury absence

Newcastle star Tino Livramento is set to miss around six to eight weeks after suffering a knee injury against Arsenal on Sunday.

Livramento was carried off on a stretcher in the 77th minute of the clash at St James' Park after landing awkwardly having challenged William Saliba for a high ball. 

Eddie Howe's side were 1-0 up at the time of Livramento's withdrawal, but Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhaes scored late on to secure a dramatic victory for the Gunners. 

Livramento, who previously missed a year of action when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during his time at Southampton in 2022, was sent for further scans on Monday.

And, although he has injured his knee ligaments again, the issue is believed to be less serious this time around. 

It is thought the full back will be absent for around six to eight weeks, which while a significant blow, is better news for Newcastle than was first feared.

After the game on Sunday, Howe had expressed his concern in regards to the fitness of Livramento, who has been an integral player for the Magpies since joining in 2023.

'He's such a big player for us in so many different ways - his versatility, his attitude, his quality,' Howe said.

'If we're going to miss that for any length of time, it is going to be a huge blow. It doesn't sound great. The fact he came off on a stretcher is not looking good.'

During the next two months, Newcastle face 12 games in all competitions, although initial estimates are that Livramento will miss around 10 matches. 

Given the length of his absence, Livramento will also likely be unavailable for the November international break.

The defender impressed for England during their games against Andorra and Serbia last month, and if he can regain his fitness and form when he returns, he is expected to be part of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad next summer.