England right back Tino Livramento faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup after Newcastle manager Eddie Howe revealed the defender could miss the remainder of the Premier League season due to a serious injury.
Injury setback for Livramento
Livramento was forced off during Newcastle’s home defeat to Bournemouth last weekend, and initial scans have confirmed a “bad injury,” according to Howe. The 23-year-old is scheduled to undergo further scans this weekend to determine the full extent of the damage.
“A bad injury,” Howe said. “He is due to have another scan at the weekend to determine the full extent of his time out. We will wait and see whether he plays again this season.”
World Cup implications
Livramento started England’s draw with Uruguay last month and also featured in the defeat to Japan at Wembley, suggesting the versatile defender is in Thomas Tuchel’s plans for this summer’s tournament. However, his injury could open the door for other candidates.
Reece James would be Tuchel’s first choice at right back if fit, but the Chelsea captain has yet to return from his own injury lay-off. Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has been overlooked, and Kyle Walker has retired from international duty. Arsenal full-back Ben White returned to England’s squad last month, while Tuchel has also used centre-backs Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah at right back during his tenure.
England’s final World Cup squad must be submitted by May 30, a week after the final game of the Premier League season. Howe also confirmed that Anthony Gordon would miss the trip to Arsenal, but the winger is expected to return by next week.
