Eddie Howe confirms major Newcastle United injury blow ahead of Chelsea clash | OneFootball

Newcastle face defensive crisis before Chelsea test

Newcastle head into the weekend with a familiar sense of unease, the sort that creeps in when momentum meets misfortune. Progress in the Carabao Cup should have been a night of relief, a 2-1 win over Fulham securing a semi final place, yet the aftermath has been dominated by concern rather than celebration. For Eddie Howe, the focus has narrowed to availability, specifically who can still stand upright in defence when Chelsea arrive at St James’ Park.

Tino Livramento’s injury has become the central worry. Forced off late on Wednesday night, the full back left the pitch with heavy strapping on his left knee, a sight that carried obvious implications given his history. Newcastle now wait, aware that time is short and options are few.

Livramento injury deepens Newcastle concerns

Howe did little to disguise his anxiety afterwards, acknowledging both the nature of the problem and the player involved.

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“It looks like a knee problem and Tino’s had issues with knee injuries before,” Howe said.

“So the fact he had to come off and he’s such an honest, dependable lad – that sends worrying signs, really, for his participation maybe in the Chelsea game. Let’s wait and see.”

For Newcastle, this is not an isolated setback but part of a wider pattern. Injuries have gathered in clusters, particularly across the back line, leaving Howe improvising rather than planning. Livramento, still only 23, has been a key figure in providing balance and athleticism, and his absence would remove another layer of security.

Defensive absences shape Chelsea build up

Lewis Hall was already missing against Fulham with a hamstring issue, while Dan Burn faces four to six weeks out after suffering a broken rib and punctured lung in the Tyne Wear derby. Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth remain sidelined, names that underline how thin Newcastle have become in key areas.

There is, at least, a flicker of optimism around Hall.

“Lewis we’re more positive on. He couldn’t play today. He felt some tightness in his hamstring, but he has a chance for Chelsea. We’ve got a number of injuries to the same position, which is never good.”

Even that hope comes with caution, as Newcastle balance risk against necessity in a season where margins already feel narrow.

Howe searches for solutions at St James’ Park

With choices limited, Newcastle are even considering recalling Matt Targett from his loan spell at Middlesbrough, a move that reflects circumstance rather than strategy. Howe was frank about the situation, his humour edged with realism.

“We’ll make that decision closer to the date where we have to, but certainly at the moment… I don’t have many more rabbits to pull out of the hat to be honest, so we’re in dangerous territory, so let’s see.”

Chelsea’s visit now carries added significance. Newcastle’s resilience will be tested not only by opposition quality but by their own fragility, a reminder that progress, however hard earned, can quickly be overshadowed by what the game takes away.