Shock ahead of the Liverpool showdown: Newcastle dealt a major blow as Tino Livramento is likely to miss the match.
Newcastle United are facing a worrying personnel issue ahead of their 2026/27 Premier League opener against Liverpool.
Tino Livramento is unlikely to recover in time to feature at St James’ Park on August 23, as the English right-back is still rehabilitating a calf injury.
This is clearly a significant blow for manager Matthias Jaissle in his first Premier League match at the helm of Newcastle.
Livramento has yet to return to full training
Livramento sustained a calf injury while on international duty with England prior to the 2026 World Cup. The injury forced him to withdraw from the tournament squad and subsequently undergo minor surgery.
Initially, Newcastle hoped the 23-year-old defender would return during the pre-season period. However, things did not go according to plan.
Livramento missed all of Newcastle’s pre-season friendlies and has not yet rejoined his teammates for full training.
This makes his chances of appearing against Liverpool increasingly slim.
Recent reports indicate that Livramento is continuing his rehabilitation program and showing positive signs. The player himself has shared images of his individual training sessions, suggesting a return is drawing near.
However, “near” does not necessarily mean in time for the Liverpool match.
According to the latest updates, Newcastle reportedly do not expect Livramento to be fit enough to play in the season opener.
A loss in a crucial position
Livramento is far more than just a backup full-back.
His ability to play effectively on either flank makes him one of Newcastle’s most versatile players.
Livramento’s mobility, pace, and attacking prowess are particularly vital in a system that relies on full-backs who can constantly push forward. With him sidelined, Jaissle will need to find a suitable replacement for the clash against Liverpool.
And therein lies the problem.
Newcastle is entering the new season amidst a major transitional period.
Eddie Howe stepped down as head coach at the end of July, leaving Jaissle with the task of rebuilding the squad. Beyond the change in management, the team has also undergone significant personnel upheaval.
Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimarães all departed during the summer.
Against this backdrop, an injury at full-back makes Jaissle’s job even more difficult.
Mason Miley may have to step into an unfamiliar role.
During the friendly against Bayer Leverkusen, Mason Miley was deployed at right-back and showed promising signs.
This is particularly noteworthy given that Miley is naturally a midfielder.
Manager Jaissle praised the youngster’s spirit and attitude. Miley’s ability to play on the right flank offers Newcastle an additional option in Livramento’s absence.
However, fielding a young midfielder in defense for the season opener presents a completely different challenge.
Liverpool will undoubtedly test Newcastle’s defensive capabilities in that area.
Especially under new manager Andoni Iraola, Liverpool is expected to play with high intensity, press aggressively, and constantly look to exploit the space behind the opposition’s defense. Iraola has also acknowledged that the team still has work to do following an inconsistent run of summer friendlies.
There is still hope for Newcastle.
However, the door isn’t entirely closed yet.
Livramento is still recovering, and recent signs indicate that his treatment is progressing well.
He posted a photo of himself training in the gym accompanied by an hourglass emoji, leading fans to believe that his return is drawing near. However, there is no official confirmation yet that the player will recover in time for the match against Liverpool.
In addition to Livramento, Newcastle is also monitoring the status of Fabian Schär and Lewis Miley.
Schär is recovering from a groin issue, while Miley has returned to training following a broken leg. Jaissle hopes both can soon rejoin full team training and even get some playing time before the season begins.
These would be positive signs for Newcastle.
Liverpool also does not head into the match with a fully fit squad.
Interestingly, Liverpool is facing its own set of issues.
Joe Gomez is likely to miss the opener due to a muscle injury, while Giovanni Leoni and several other defenders are also dealing with fitness concerns. Liverpool has had to bring in Ronald Araújo on loan from Barcelona to bolster their defense.
This makes the match at St James’ Park all the more unpredictable.
Both teams are entering the new season with major changes.
Newcastle has a new manager.
Liverpool also has a new manager.
Both are striving to regain stability.
And both have personnel issues to resolve.
A most challenging opener
Newcastle will host Liverpool at St James’ Park on Sunday, August 23, 2026, in the Premier League season opener for both teams.
This is not just an early-season fixture.
It marks Matthias Jaissle’s Premier League debut as Newcastle manager and Andoni Iraola’s first Premier League match in charge of Liverpool.
Consequently, every selection decision could prove decisive.
If Livramento is unavailable, Jaissle will need to find a solution for the right flank.
Should he turn to Mason Miley, the youngster would face one of the biggest tests of his career.
If Newcastle opt for an alternative, they must ensure the void left by Livramento does not become a weakness for Liverpool to exploit.
Livramento’s absence could alter the entire game plan.
A player’s unavailability often means more than just losing a spot in the lineup.
It forces the manager to adjust the team’s operational approach.
Without Livramento, Newcastle lose a player who offers pace, one-on-one defensive ability, and versatility across the flanks.
In a match where Liverpool are likely to apply constant pressure, those qualities are vital.
Newcastle still have over a week before their first competitive match.
Things could still change.
However, current reports suggest Livramento is likely to miss the clash with Liverpool.
That comes as a significant blow to Jaissle.
Yet, situations like this will reveal whether Newcastle, under their new regime, possess the necessary squad depth and adaptability.
Opening day is fast approaching. Liverpool are waiting. And Newcastle must find the answers—with or without Livramento. ⚫⚪
