Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has moved to calm fears over Tino Livramento's fitness, insisting the England international will not be out long-term despite a knee injury that has limited him to 78 minutes of action this season.
Livramento has endured a difficult spell, having been forced out of the England squad for the autumn UEFA Nations League programme and missing the World Cup due to a muscle problem. The former Southampton and Chelsea defender will also miss Newcastle's Carabao Cup tie at Everton and is a major doubt for the Premier League meeting with the Toffees on Monday.
Jaissle backs Livramento to return without relapse
Speaking to Chronicle Live, Jaissle said: "I don't want to give too much detail as I don't want to put too much pressure on Tino - or the medical department. This is usually my approach when it comes to injuries. I can just assure you that I see him every day, and I see great professionalism with his rehab. He is working hard so hopefully we have him back soon."
He added: "Also I hope that he is stable in his approach when he is joining us."
Defensive reshuffle as doubts remain
Livramento missed the start of the season with an injury following his World Cup setback, but broke down again after 45 minutes against Millwall in the Carabao Cup third round. Since then, Lewis Miley has been deployed at right-back, while Amar Dedic has impressed on his return from a hamstring injury at Crystal Palace.
Newcastle will conduct late checks on Lewis Miley and Matias Fernandez-Pardo before Thursday's tie at Everton. Jaissle said: "These two players are still doubtful. Question marks on if they can make it [for Thursday night]. We need to see step-by-step over the next two days to decide if they're able to be in the squad or not. With both of them, we don't want to take any additional risk and, hopefully, they are getting back soon."
