The journey from a moment of high drama on the football pitch to a clear medical diagnosis is often a slow and careful one. For Newcastle United and their supporters, that is the exact process they are currently navigating with defender Tino Livramento.

The distressing scene of the young player being stretchered off the field during the match against Arsenal has been followed by a period of deliberate and cautious evaluation by the club.

There will be no rushed judgments or quick announcements. Instead, the club is taking its time to understand the full picture of his knee injury, a decision that shows just how seriously they are taking the situation.

Manager Eddie Howe, speaking from Belgium ahead of the team’s Champions League match, confirmed that the club is still gathering information. “We are still awaiting feedback on the extent of his injury,” Howe told reporters.

He emphasized the importance of patience, adding, “I am better off waiting before giving any indication on that because it could be a mistake.” This thoughtful approach is crucial. In the immediate aftermath of an injury, especially one that involves a joint like the knee, swelling and initial trauma can sometimes obscure the full extent of the damage.

The club is reportedly seeking further expert opinions to ensure they have a complete and accurate understanding before deciding on a treatment plan and a recovery timeline.

This careful process underscores Livramento’s importance to the team. Losing the dynamic full-back for any length of time is a significant blow.

His versatility, having performed brilliantly on both the right and left side of the defense this season, has made him an invaluable part of Howe’s tactical setup. His ability to contribute in multiple roles is not something that can be easily replaced.

While the hope is that the injury will only keep him out for a matter of weeks, the club is rightly preparing for all possibilities, ensuring they have the correct information before setting any expectations.

In the meantime, the football calendar moves forward without pause. Newcastle’s immediate focus shifts to a challenging Champions League encounter away at Union Saint-Gilloise.

Despite the disappointment of the last-gasp loss to Arsenal, Howe is using that experience as a motivational tool for his squad. He believes the painful nature of the defeat should serve as fuel, not a burden.

“The Arsenal defeat should be a motivator, not a hangover,” he stated. “We needed to do better in those last few moments. It would have been a big point. We need to use that as a motivation.”

This mindset is key for a team that needs to quickly reset for a different kind of challenge in a different competition.

There is some positive news to help with that reset. The team welcomes back the experienced defender Fabian Schar, who has been cleared to play after missing the last couple of games due to a concussion protocol.

His return comes at an ideal time, providing a boost to the defensive unit and adding a layer of stability and composure. Schar’s availability means that Howe has several strong options in the center of his defense, with Dan Burn, Malick Thiaw, and Sven Botman also competing for places. This depth is a luxury that will be tested throughout a long season.

Howe also expressed a healthy respect for their Belgian opponents, acknowledging that the match will be a serious test.

He pointed to their strong start to the season and their distinct tactical approach, which includes a direct physical threat from two powerful strikers.

The manager made it clear that his team selection would be influenced by the physical toll of the Arsenal game, with a final decision coming after he assesses his players in their final training session.

The goal is to field a team that is both tactically prepared and physically fresh, ready to secure a vital result on their European journey.

For Newcastle, it’s about balancing the immediate task in Belgium with the long-term care of a key player, navigating the twin demands of a demanding season.