Newcastle United will intensify their efforts to sign a new right-back after being dealt a significant blow by Tino Livramento's latest injury setback. The Magpies defender sustained a minor calf problem that has ruled him out of the upcoming World Cup, forcing him to return to Tyneside for treatment and assessment by the club's medical staff. The full-back now faces a race against time to be fit for the start of the new Premier League season.
Livramento's Injury Woes
The 23-year-old, who played the second half of England's first friendly against New Zealand this summer, was an unused substitute in their second friendly against Costa Rica. He did feature in a behind-closed-doors game against Miami FC, but the calf injury struck during training with the Three Lions. A scan and medical assessment confirmed he could play no further part in England's tournament. Chelsea's Trevor Chalobah has been called up as his replacement.
Livramento's injury history is concerning. A thigh issue kept him out of Newcastle's final six Premier League matches last season, while a hamstring injury sidelined him for two months at the turn of the year after he limped off in the FA Cup win over Bournemouth in January. He returned in March but struggled for form before the thigh injury ended his campaign prematurely.
Right-Back Crisis
With Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth leaving the club this summer after their contracts expired, Livramento is now the only senior recognised right-back in the squad. Although Lewis Miley and youngster Leo Shahar are options, manager Eddie Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson had already targeted a new right-back in their summer spending spree. Livramento's setback has accelerated that search.
Oscar Mingueza Linked
One player who has been linked with a move to St James' Park is Oscar Mingueza. According to Spanish outlet AS, Newcastle and Arsenal are competing to sign the Celta Vigo defender on a free transfer this summer. The 27-year-old, who can play right-back, centre-half, and wing-back, did not have the best of campaigns in La Liga, which cost him a place in Spain's World Cup squad. However, he has been on Newcastle's radar before and is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
Other Targets
Newcastle have also monitored Strasbourg defender Guela Doue. The 23-year-old is highly rated after a strong season in France and is currently at the World Cup with Ivory Coast. Doue, older brother of Paris Saint-Germain star Desire, joined Strasbourg from Stade Rennais for around £5 million, but his value has skyrocketed to approximately £30 million. Strasbourg are keen to keep him, but the collapse of French football's TV deal could force them to cash in. An attacking full-back, Doue scored for Ivory Coast in a warm-up game against France.
Other right-backs linked with Newcastle include Chelsea's Josh Acheampong and Atalanta's Marco Palestra, though both are considered long shots. Monaco's Vanderson has also been scouted by the club in the past.
A Newcastle statement confirmed: "The 23-year-old picked up a minor calf injury in training with the Three Lions on Sunday afternoon. A subsequent scan and medical assessment on Monday unfortunately confirmed he could play no further part in England's tournament. He will continue his rehabilitation with the Magpies' medical team."
