Newcastle boss Howe provides update on Fabian Schar injury and Dan Burn | OneFootball

Eddie Howe says Fabian Schar’s injury may not be as bad as first feared.

The Newcastle defender was taken off on a stretcher during the 4-3 win over Leeds with an ankle injury.

Howe says he will undergo further assessment to determine how long he will be out for, but says he has not broken anything.

“Hopefully not too bad, or maybe not as bad as it first looked,” the Newcastle boss said.

“That’s the initial sort of assessment.

“He’s obviously got an injury there but no break. We think it’s just ligament damage but he’s seeing a specialist in the next few days to get some definitive answers, but maybe more positive than the initial assessment.”

Newcastle also remain without Dan Burn, Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth in the middle of defence, while Sven Botman has only recently returned from injury.

“It’s not ideal for us,” Howe said on the defensive injuries. “We’ve been stretched in that area for a while and then we get Sven (Botman) back and we lose Fabian.

“Fabian has been outstanding for us and it’s a huge blow.

“With Dan, he’s been given a timeframe that I think will end up being roughly the timeframe.

“I’m not sure how much we can shave off that with the type of injury that he’s got. But he’s making good progressing. He’s running, he’s out on the grass, he’s here every day and Dan will be very keen to push himself back but I think it’s one we have to be careful with.”