Newcastle United have confirmed that full-back Tino Livramento has undergone a minor surgical procedure after a calf injury ended his World Cup campaign early. The 23-year-old will be fit for part of pre-season but will miss early friendlies against Darlington and Gateshead.
World Cup setback and surgery
Livramento was called up to England's World Cup squad but suffered a calf injury in training and was replaced by Trevoh Chalobah. He flew home early, and Newcastle later confirmed he had successful minor surgery. A club statement said: "We can confirm that Tino Livramento has successfully undergone a minor surgical procedure. The defender, who returned from World Cup duty with an injury, is expected to return during pre-season. Everyone at the club wishes Tino a smooth and speedy recovery."
Tuchel on Livramento's disappointment
England boss Thomas Tuchel expressed sympathy for Livramento, saying: "Tino was, of course, very disappointed and very sad. All of us were. It was kind of a little shock in training. When he stopped training, he straight away had the feeling that this can be an injury that cost him the tournament and he was unfortunately right. After assessment, we got the information that it’s an injury of about four or five weeks, which is unfortunately too long to keep on like rebuilding and reintegrating him into the squad, so we took the decision to send him home."
Injury history and pre-season return
Livramento also missed the end of the season with a thigh problem. In May, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: "Tino, we think, will be fine. If the season was to go on for another couple of weeks, he'd be back for us. It wasn't a serious injury, and it looks like he is moving well on the grass now." The club now expects him back during pre-season, though he will miss early matches.
Transfer concerns and full-back cover
Livramento had been linked with a move to Manchester City in 2026, but Howe expressed confidence in keeping him. Speaking on Lewis Hall and Livramento, Howe said: "The reason we signed both players when we did was for an evolution for the team and to see if they would grow into the full-back areas for us. They are two really talented lads who can grow and hopefully be top full-backs for Newcastle for many years, and that is still the case." However, with Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth leaving after contract expirations, Newcastle lack cover at right-back. Lewis Miley and Malick Thiaw can play there but are not ideal, while Leo Shahar is untested. On the left, only Dan Burn covers for Hall. Bringing in a right-back is a priority for Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson this summer, especially given Livramento's injury record.
