Fabian Schar injury update - Worrying words and Howe's January message

Mixed in with the dizzying heights of last night's heroic 4-3 win over Leeds, there was also one crushing low.

In what could be his final season at Newcastle as he nears the end of his contract, Fabian Schar looks to have suffered a serious ankle injury after a collision with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the second half.

Almost immediately stretchered off the pitch and replaced with Sven Botman, Howe confirmed that the 34-year-old was in hospital and in a bad way.

Sadly, it "doesn't look good" and the early signs indicate he's suffered a "bad injury", with Howe sending his love to a huge player that has been a big part of our success in recent years:

“It doesn't look good for Fabian. He's in hospital at the moment and it doesn't look good for him.

"It's an ankle problem. We hope it's not as serious as it looks. We send him our love.

"He's such an important player for us. He's been incredible. He's been almost an ever-present and put his body on the line for the team.

"It looks like he's picked up a bad injury, unfortunately."

Howe was then asked if this injury will impact our January plans, with Dan Burn and Jamaal Lascelles also absent, leaving Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw our only fit centre-backs.

The boss felt it was 'too early' to say whether we'll now target a centre-back signing, insisting we'll have to play it by ear as the month goes on, with full clarity on Schar's injury not yet clear

"It's a bit too early for me to say.

"We'll take a view as the window unfolds"

Fingers crossed Schar has avoided the worst case scenario and can be back soon, as that really would be an awful way for him to go out.