'I do expect': Keith Downie now drops positive Newcastle United injury news

Written on Thursday, 01 January 2026
Jonathan Gorrie

Eddie Howe could have decisions to make at Newcastle United over Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier and Lewis Miley. 

Thankfully for Howe, the brilliant Miley has stepped up in the absence of Trippier and Livramento to answer Newcastle United’s need in a defensive injury crisis. 

Both Livramento and Trippier have been injured in recent weeks, along with fellow right-back Emil Krafth.

If Tino Livramento is fit for the Crystal Palace game, who are you playing at RB? 🤔

Dropping Lewis Miley would seem very harsh!

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That has forced the aforementioned teenager into a right-back role, a position he was previously unfamiliar with in his senior career.

However, Miley has been excellent while playing as a right-back for Newcastle and Howe may soon have a headache on his hands. 

Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier could return from injury at Newcastle United

That’s because, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, both Trippier and Livramento could be back in action for Sunday’s Premier League game against Crystal Palace. 

Speaking on a video that was posted on YouTube, Downie said: “I do expect Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier to be back in the fold, potentially this weekend [vs Crystal Palace]. 

If you could make one demand of Eddie Howe before Newcastle United play Crystal Palace – what would it be?

I’d like to see Wissa x Woltemade finally unleashed!

Eddie Howe looks on during Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle United in the Champions League.
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“We’ll obviously get an update from Eddie Howe on that on Friday, but I think at least one, if not two, of those guys will be involved against Crystal Palace on Sunday.”

That could give Howe a big decision to make. Bringing Livramento back into the fold feels like the most natural call if he is fit, but dropping Miley would be incredibly harsh.

Lewis Miley can help Newcastle United plan for life without Tino Livramento

Livramento’s future at Newcastle is uncertain amid links with the likes of Manchester City. 

It would seem hugely unlikely that the England international will be leaving in the January transfer window but things may well change at the end of the season.

Though the former Southampton defender will still have a key role to play during what remains of the campaign, it would hardly be a shock to see him depart next summer.

Lewis Miley celebrates scoring Newcastle United's second goal against Everton with Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall.
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images

In Miley, Newcastle have a ready-made replacement.

He’s been so good that Howe doesn’t need to rush Livramento back into action following multiple knee injuries in recent months.

Miley is helping Newcastle plan for life without Livramento both in the immediate and long term.  

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