England star Tino Livramento faces a desperate battle to demonstrate his fitness before the World Cup after sustaining his fourth injury of what has been a deeply frustrating campaign.
The Newcastle defender, aged 23, picked up a thigh complaint during the Magpies' 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth last week, forcing him to leave the pitch.
The former Southampton player is scheduled for a second scan this weekend to establish the severity of the problem, with his participation in Thomas Tuchel's England squad now hanging in the balance.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has admitted uncertainty over whether the full-back will feature again before the season concludes.
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"He went for a scan initially. We don't think it's a bad injury. We'll wait and see whether he'll play again this season," Howe explained.
The Magpies boss confirmed that further medical assessment would provide clarity on the situation.
"He's due to have another scan at the weekend, and that will determine the full extent of it," he added.
England star Tino Livramento faces a desperate battle to demonstrate his fitness before the World Cup after sustaining his fourth injury of what has been a deeply frustrating campaign
|PA
While initial indications suggest the injury may not be severe, the timing could hardly be worse for the England international with the World Cup approaching.
Whether Livramento can recover in time to stake his claim for a place in Tuchel's squad remains uncertain.
Livramento has earned five caps for England and appeared in both of last month's international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
Tino Livramento has secured five caps for England
|PA
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England's record in their last five major tournaments | GB NEWSHis capacity to operate on either flank made him a particularly appealing selection for Tuchel ahead of the tournament.
However, a season plagued by fitness issues has severely curtailed his involvement at club level, with the defender managing just 14 Premier League starts for Newcastle.
The repeated setbacks have prevented him from building any sustained momentum or rediscovering the form that made him such a valuable asset.
His versatility would have been a significant asset for the Three Lions, but availability remains the primary concern.
Howe praised the defender's psychological resilience despite the challenging circumstances.
"Tino's very level-headed, very stable mentally. He's had a frustrating season, such a good season last year," the Newcastle manager said.
Tino Livramento has been praised by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe
| GETTYThe contrast with the previous campaign could not be starker, when Livramento proved himself an integral part of the squad.
"He was outstanding, was fit and available and really contributed to what we delivered," Howe reflected.
"This year's been different, and that's just the life of a footballer I'm afraid. He's never been able to get that run of games to really find his best form."
Howe concluded: "An outstanding player, we just hope he has a better run of health."