Eddie Howe has confirmed that Tino Livramento is unlikely to feature again for Newcastle this season.
The full-back has missed each of the last two matches with a thigh injury and, although Howe conceded that it would be possible for him to return for the final day clash against Fulham, he is not keen to rush him back, branding that idea as "silly".
This does mean, however, that the 23-year-old is expected to be fully fit by the time the World Cup rolls around this summer.
Livramento played in England's most recent friendly outings against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley and is 11/10 to make the plane in Thomas Tuchel's final World Cup squad.
"Tino is doing well, he is improving," Howe said during his pre-match press conference ahead of Newcastle's meeting with Nottingham Forest.
"I Don't think he will be back this season. We will let him recover and get a good summer behind him."
Livramento has been billed as one of England's brightest full-back prospects for some time, but his young career has been blighted by injury problems thus far.
Shortly after his breakthrough at Southampton, Livramento suffered a serious cruciate ligament tear that saw him miss almost a year and 51 competitive matches.
After impressing when back to full fitness, the full-back made a £32m switch to St James' Park where, between some impressive performances, injury has again hampered his progress. Just this season, Livramento has missed a total of 33 matches; not including the three additional games he is set to be sidelined for to conclude the campaign.
Despite his injury problems, Livramento has plenty going for him with a view to making the England squad for the World Cup.
His ability to operate on either flank gives him the edge on a few of his other rivals, while Reece James has fitness doubts of his own and Trent Alexander-Arnold doesn't look to be favoured by Tuchel.
Ben White's rejuvenated form has increased his chances of involvement, with the Arsenal defender now into EVS to make the plane.
