Newcastle played well in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, cruising to a 4-0 win over Royale Union SG in Brussels.
Eddie Howe reverted to a back four, with Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier at full-back, and the side looked balanced and in control all evening.
Nick Woltemade opened the scoring in the 17th minute, flicking Sandro Tonali’s strike into the net. Anthony Gordon added two more goals via penalties, one just before half-time from a foul on Anthony Elanga, and another after a VAR intervention in the second half.
Harvey Barnes sealed the rout in the 80th minute with a smart finish from a swift counter-attack.
Lewis Hall’s game time continues to be managed carefully, while Tino Livramento was unavailable due to the injury he sustained against Arsenal.
Howe confirmed Livramento is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, though he described the prognosis as “positive” compared to initial fears.
“From yesterday’s meeting with a specialist, we think Tino will be roughly around six to eight weeks. Which is probably positive from where we were after the Arsenal game, thinking he might be months,” Howe said.
“We’re probably looking not at this international break, but maybe the next one, he could be back.”
That return window could position Livramento for the home match versus Manchester City on 22 November.
Howe also offered an update on Yoane Wissa, who remains on track for a return after the upcoming international break. “He hasn’t trained on the grass yet, so we haven’t seen him as part of any team training.
“At the moment that’s the schedule, but we’ll wait and see.”
Wissa could be available for the trip to Brighton on 18 October, while Jacob Ramsey is pushing for fitness after recovering from an ankle issue suffered in the 0-0 draw at Leeds.
