Sixth Newcastle United star ruled out for the rest of the season - £73m could return vs Burnley

Newcastle United are set to be without Fabian Schar for their final four Premier League fixtures.

The Switzerland international was forced off at half-time against Sheffield United on Saturday. Schar had started every league game this campaign but that run will come to an end at Turf Moor.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe confirmed: “Fabian, I think, will miss a period of time out with a minor hamstring problem. I doubt we’ll see him again this season.”

Meanwhile, Howe revealed Miguel Almiron, Joelinton and Nick Pope could make their returns for the visit to Lancashire.

“We’ve had Miggy and Joelinton return to training this week, first steps back into full team training. We’ve also seen that with Nick Pope as well so it’s been a good positive week to have three experienced quality players back. It’s certainly given us a big lift.”

“We’ll see after today [if they’ll be involved vs Burnley]. I’ve got to make the right decisions for them individually and the team. They’ve been out different time lengths but they’ve had significant injuries so we need to make sure we get this one right.”

Howe also revealed Trippier is edging closer to a return following nine weeks out with a calf injury. It is hoped the right-back will be back for the remaining three games against Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United and Brentford.

The England international has trained separately away from Newcastle’s Benton training ground this week having travelled to the NAS Sports Complex in Dubai with a fitness coach.

“Kieran Trippier lies just slightly behind the guys that have come back,” Howe said. “He hasn’t trained this week, he’s been away training by himself with our physiotherapist. We anticipate he’ll be back next week to train, hopefully, I say that with fingers crossed. He could be involved before the end of the season.”