'Always a worry': Eddie Howe's reaction to Tino Livramento's injury on Saturday tells a grim story for Newcastle United
Newcastle United edged themselves into the fourth round draw of the FA Cup on Saturday, beating Bournemouth 7-6 on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra time.
The Magpies really could have done without an extra 30 minutes of running around, given that they are back in action on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup semi-final against a Manchester City side that just knocked 10 goals past Exeter.
While we all thought going into the game that the last thing we needed was extra time, it turns out that the last thing we really needed was another injury to a defender, and that's exactly what we got.
Tino Livramento has not long been back from injury, but the England full-back now looks destined for another spell in the treatment room after hobbling off the St James' Park turf midway through the match against the Cherries.
Eddie Howe gave up an update on Tino Livramento and Fabian Schar
Tino's tearful face told us all we needed to know at the time, but speaking to the media after the game, Eddie Howe confirmed that it's going to be a while before we see Tino again.
“It looks like a hamstring problem which is always a worry when it is muscular.
“I am not too sure on other details other than that. But he is obviously going to be out for a period of time.
“I am absolutely devastated for him because he has worked so hard to come back in terms of physical shape.
“There is no change on Fabian [Schar], he will see a specialist. But he will be out for a period of time.”
We can't ignore the obvious
It's a massive blow for Newcastle not just because of how much better the team is with Tino in it, but because it leaves Eddie Howe dangerously low on options at the back.
However, it still seems as though the Magpies aren't going to delve into the transfer market to solve the problem, instead counting on the return of Dan Burn, who should be available before the end of the month.
It seems like a dangerous game to us. Surely a loan signing until the end of the season makes sense at this point. It won't damage the budget too much and gives Eddie Howe another option even after Burn and Schar come back, because who's to say they stay fit? Look at what happened to Tino.
Malick Thiaw must be desperate for a rest now, and Lewis Hall and Kieran Trippier aren't fully fit either, but they're going to be thrown into a brutal schedule. We need bodies, Eddie!
