Newcastle United 'massive' injury boost as £13m star returns — could start v Fulham

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe says the return of Dan Burn provides a "massive" boost to his squad.

The Blyth-born defender fell awkwardly on his back during the 1-0 Premier League win at home to Arsenal on November 4 and was expected to be out for a "couple of months".

However, six weeks later, and Burn returned ahead of schedule. The 31-year-old was named on the bench for Wednesday's Champions League to AC Milan before playing the remaining half hour with Kieran Trippier forced off.

Burn is the third player - Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff are the others - to return from the treatment room in the last week to help ease the club's current injury situation.

"All the players who have been injured have had that thought [to get back asap] in them. They've all wanted to come back and they've all seen the position we've been in and I'm sure they've all had different emotions watching the team.

"There has been that 'can I push myself?' We don't want to push players where break down but if you're able to play like Dan's is more a pain management issue rather than a recurrence issue. He's done really well and he's trained pain-free."

Burn could be recalled to the starting XI for the visit of former club Fulham this afternoon.

Kieran Trippier is serving a one-match suspension after receiving five yellow cards this term, which will likely see Tino Livramento move over to right-back.

That opens up a place at left-back with Lewis Hall and Burn in contention. But given how highly Howe speaks of Burn is perhaps a hint.

“Massive," Howe said when asked about Burn being back available. "Dan is not just a player and a character but is a leader in the dressing room. He’s vastly experienced.

"He has allowed us to play a certain way, he’s been pivotal in allowing us to play different ways. Dan has been an important part of what we’ve achieved and we’ve missed him since he’s been away.

"We’ve missed him physically as well, there’s no denying his physical strengths from set plays for and against. He’s a big player for us.”