Just days before England kicks off its World Cup campaign against Croatia, the Three Lions have reportedly lost a key option at full-back. Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento has suffered a hamstring injury that is expected to rule him out of the entire tournament, according to The Telegraph.
Livramento was with the England squad in North America, but sources indicate he may now be headed back to Newcastle for treatment. Manager Thomas Tuchel is projected to name a replacement ahead of Wednesday night’s group-stage opener — a sudden and unwelcome disruption to England’s defensive plans.
For the 23-year-old, this is the latest chapter in a frustrating run of fitness battles. He missed virtually all of the 2022–23 season at Southampton after tearing his ACL. Last season, he was limited to just 19 starts across all competitions as he dealt with recurring hamstring and knee issues. He managed to return to action late this season for Newcastle, but this recent setback appears to be a recurrence of the same hamstring problem.
What This Means for Newcastle
Beyond the obvious disappointment for Livramento and England, this injury carries significant implications for Newcastle United. The club is reportedly fielding interest from Arsenal and Manchester City, with a potential summer transfer on the table. A strong World Cup showing could have raised Livramento’s price tag or attracted more suitors. Instead, with another injury on his record, interested clubs may hesitate — or drop their valuation altogether.
The Magpies have shown patience with Livramento’s recovery timeline, but they also need to balance the books under financial fair play constraints. Selling a player who can’t stay healthy becomes a harder sell. That said, his talent is undeniable when fit — he’s one of the most technically gifted young full-backs in the Premier League.
England’s Backup Plan
For Tuchel, the decision to replace Livramento likely means calling up a more durable option — possibly bringing in another Premier League full-back who can slot in immediately. England’s group isn’t the most daunting, but depth matters in a knockout tournament, especially if injuries pile up.
Fans online have noted the unfortunate timing. Livramento had finally looked sharp after battling back from his latest layoff, and a World Cup run felt like a deserved reward. The team has not confirmed an official timeline, but early reports suggest he will not be risked.
The real test now is whether Newcastle can hold onto a player whose market value just took an indirect hit — or whether Livramento can finally catch a break with his physical health. For now, both club and player are left waiting.
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