Livramento not fit enough to start for Newcastle against Barcelona | OneFootball

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe does not think defender Valentino Livramento is fit enough to start against Barcelona at St James’ Park tomorrow.

The Newcastle ace, who has been described as a ‘top player‘, has been battling injuries for most of the season.

However, he recently made an appearance in the FA Cup, triggering speculation that he could be fit to play against Barca.

Howe has since poured cold water on the notion. He said (via Sky Sports), “He probably hasn’t done enough training for me to feel 100 percent confident.”

The Magpies will be under siege and need all hands on deck if they are to defy the odds and take down the Catalan giants.

Without Livramento in the starting line-up, Howe will have to roll with Kieran Trippier at right-back.

His pace is no longer what it was, and the Spanish side could find joy down that flank.

Newcastle will have to be at their best to beat a Barcelona side that has scored the second-most goals in Europe’s top five leagues this season.

History is not on their side. Newcastle have faced Barcelona five times in Europe. Their only victory came in the first clash, a 3-2 home win in September 1997. Barca have won each of the following four games.

They have faced English opposition 33 times in the Champions League knockout stage, winning 10 of their last 12 matches since 2014.

Newcastle have faced Spanish opposition in the Champions League on six occasions, winning twice and losing four.