Medical expert: Livramento may need ‘surgery’ after ‘significant’ Southampton update
Southampton will hope to keep Tino Livramento fit for the rest of the season – but his knee issues may require surgery further down the line.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Livramento has not featured for the Saints since the 3-2 win over West Ham on Boxing Day.
The 19-year-old right-back, a summer signing from Chelsea, is currently suffering with a knee injury.
Per Hamshire Live last Friday (21 January), Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed that he should return after the winter break barring “a reaction” from his knee.
Dinnery explained that the Italian’s problem could be managed until the end of the season but may need an operation at some point in the future.
“This is a meniscus issue,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“That is what has caused that swelling in and around the knee. A reaction would be the knee becoming inflamed and swollen.
“That would inhibit movement and the function of the knee. It’s about managing the player and gradually increasing the load.
“Hopefully, the knee responds positively. It’s significant that he’s coming back but it may be something he needs to address further down the line.
“But if he can get Livramento playing and fit for the run-in, that would be great.
“You could be talking about surgery further down the line, that’s possible, you’re then calling into question whether he would be back in time.”
Livramento has one goal and one assist to his name in 18 league matches this term.
Kyle Walker-Peters has come into the starting XI in his place and scored against Man City last time out.
In other news, West Ham tipped to beat Southampton to £25million-plus Armand Broja deal after source update.