This is the kind of opening-week team news that immediately changes the mood around a match. Newcastle United are preparing for their Premier League opener against Liverpool at St. James' Park, but Matthias Jaissle has already made one thing plain: Tino Livramento and Joelinton will not be involved. In a game that was always going to demand full strength and full conviction, that is a real setback.
And yet there is at least a fresh angle to the evening. Amar Dedić arrived at Newcastle United on Tuesday and Jaissle says he is ready to go, which means the new signing could walk straight into one of the most demanding fixtures on the calendar. That is a serious test, but it is also exactly the sort of stage supporters want to see a new arrival handle.
A bruising start for Newcastle
Jaissle did not dress it up. Joelinton is out for a couple of weeks, while Livramento is still not ready after being partially involved. The manager was careful, and rightly so, about the need to be smart with Livramento’s progress. That is the sensible approach, but sensible does not make it any less inconvenient when Liverpool are the visitors and the season is barely underway.
There is always an edge to a first home match, and Jaissle made no secret of how much he is looking forward to it. He described it as a sold-out occasion and called it an amazing privilege to lead Newcastle United. That enthusiasm matters, because the atmosphere at St. James' Park is about to be put to work immediately.
Amar Dedić gets his chance
Dedić may be the name that gives Newcastle supporters something new to focus on. Jaissle was emphatic about the signing, calling him a perfect addition to the squad and pointing out the value of their previous time together at Red Bull Salzburg and FC Liefering. In a week where training time is limited and pressure is high, familiarity is a useful weapon.
That does not mean the challenge disappears. New signings still need to adapt, and Jaissle admitted as much, but he also said he is confident Dedić is ready. That is the key line. Not hopeful. Not maybe. Ready. In a squad that has already lost two important players for Sunday, that confidence suddenly matters a great deal.
A special day, and a serious one
The match will also carry another emotional layer. Newcastle United plan tributes to Kevin Keegan before kick-off, and Jaissle spoke about him with the kind of respect such a figure demands. He called Keegan a legend and said everyone in the stadium will show the tribute on Sunday. That will make the occasion feel bigger than a standard league opener, because in Newcastle it always does when history is part of the conversation.
But sentiment will not win the points. Liverpool are arriving for a Premier League opener that now has a sharper edge because of the absences. Newcastle still have a home crowd, a new signing, and the chance to set a tone for the 2026/27 campaign. They also have to cope without Joelinton and Livramento. That is the balance of it: a special night, yes, but one that already asks more questions than it answers.
Jaissle’s message to the supporters was about belief, consistency and togetherness. On Sunday, that will not be a nice slogan. It will be the test. And if Newcastle are going to start this season properly, they may need Dedić to settle quickly and the rest of the squad to do a lot more heavy lifting than they expected a few days ago.
