Awful news on Fabian Schar – Eddie Howe reveals major blow on Friday morning

The injury crisis at Newcastle United refuse to go away, as Eddie Howe has confirmed this morning that Fabian Schar looks set to miss the remainder of the season.

The Swiss international looked visibly uncomfortable in last weekend's 5-1 win over Sheffield United and tried to play on after feeling something in his hamstring.

He was eventually replaced at half-time and Howe has revealed that he's very unlikely to play against this season, keeping him out of our final four games against Burnley, Brighton, Man Utd and Brentford.

However, Howe has backed Emil Krafth to step up in Schar's absence, but accepts we've been left very short at centre-back following season-ending injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles.

"Fabian will miss a period of time out with a minor hamstring problem." Howe said. "He won't play tomorrow and I doubt we will see him again until next season.

"In the centre-back position we're lighter than we'd like to be with Jamaal, Sven and now Fabian missing but Emil came on and played really, really well last week. Emil has played well in that central position well for us this year, going back to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup where I thought he was outstanding. I have no doubts over his qualities."

"Alex (Murphy) has been impressive in training I have been impressed with him, he has grown and developed. He had a little cameo last week with Fabian's injury it maybe gives him an opportunity to come into the team and the same goes for Paul Dummett."