Newcastle United are managing a knee injury to defender Tino Livramento, forcing a reshuffle ahead of their Premier League fixture at Crystal Palace. The issue, first felt in training last month, has required a period of rest and recovery for the full-back, who has a significant history of knee problems.

Initial assessments suggested the problem was minor, but subsequent tests led the club to adopt a cautious approach. Livramento has been doing light work on the grass in recent days as the medical staff begin the process of easing him back to full fitness. He was forced to withdraw from England duty last month and is also unlikely to be involved in next month's international fixtures.

With Livramento absent, Lewis Miley has been deputising on the right side of defence. The situation has highlighted the squad's lack of depth in certain areas, a concern given the team's current 11th-place standing with eight points from seven games. Newcastle have lost their last two matches, including a 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, and have conceded 14 goals already this season.

Squad fitness and tactical questions

Head coach Matthias Jaissle is also awaiting updates on other players. Anthony Elanga has returned to training this week and is pushing for involvement against Palace, while an update is awaited on Aaron Ramsey. Defender Amar Dedic is working back from a hamstring injury; his eventual return could allow Miley to move back into midfield.

The team's recent form, with three defeats in their last four league outings, has increased scrutiny on Jaissle's preferred 4-2-3-1 system. There is a belief within the club's hierarchy that the German coach, whose contract at Al Ahli was bought out for a reported £9 million, can develop into an elite-level manager. Patience is being preached, with the club able to absorb a finish similar to last season's 12th place, though a return to continental competition remains a stated ambition.

January planning underway

Newcastle's recruitment team are already assessing options for the January transfer window, where there is understood to be financial headroom to spend. A creative midfielder is seen as a potential priority, while a new striker is not currently expected. The club were satisfied with their summer business and remain pleased with the squad's construction for the full campaign.

Among the younger players, 19-year-old midfielder Ibrahima Diabate, signed in the summer and now on loan in Turkey, is generating excitement internally. Defensive midfielder Rory Finneran, 18, has also impressed during his loan spell at Notts County. The club will continue to monitor Livramento's progress in the coming days, with a final decision on his availability for the Palace trip to be made after further training assessments. The fixture at Selhurst Park, where Palace sit 14th, is scheduled for Sunday, 25 October.

The original report is at Daily Mail Sport