This is why Ryan Fraser missed Newcastle United’s win over Burnley - and his chances of returning for Leicester City

When Eddie Howe named his Newcastle United starting XI and substitutes for the victory over Burnley, Ryan Fraser’s absence was a notable surprise.

Following the arrival of former boss Howe, a Fraser revival has been much anticipated after excelling during their seven years at Bournemouth together.

An assist, not long after coming off the bench, for Allan Saint-Maximin’s equaliser against Brentford earned back-to-back starts versus Arsenal and Norwich City.

However, the visit of the Canaries saw Fraser play only the opening nine minutes after he was sacrificed for Federico Fernandez following Ciaran Clark's dismissal.

Howe apologised to Fraser - which he accepted - and the expectation was he’d return to face Burnley. So, what happened?

Why did Ryan Fraser miss the win over Burnley?

Fraser picked up a minor hamstring injury in the build-up to the crunch Burnley game.

It was decided the 27-year-old wouldn’t be risked, though it is likely he will travel with the squad to Leicester City on Sunday afternoon.

Ryan Fraser and injuries

Injuries are one of the big reasons behind Fraser’s struggles on Tyneside after joining on a free transfer in September last year.

That alone was a consequence of not having a full pre-season on the back of turning down a new deal at Bournemouth during the lockdown period in 2019/20.

Fraser never played regularly under Steve Bruce - putting his Newcastle career in doubt. But after Howe’s appointment, hopes of saving his Toon career were restored.

What has Ryan Fraser said about Eddie Howe?

Fraser’s love and respect for Howe is clear to see, which is no surprise after the 43-year-old helped transform his career.

Howe also trusts Fraser. Put those two feelings together and that is exactly why fans are hopeful that Fraser’s best is just around the corner.

Fraser spoke about his relationship with Howe to NUFCTV last week: “It is very, very good

“Everyone looked at the end of it and thought it was not good but we have always been good.

“I don’t really know what that came from. It was nothing personal, we have done a lot for each other, he has done a lot for me and I have done a lot for him.

“We did go for coffee in the summer before. We respect each other massively.

“He wants to make me better and I want to do my best for him when I go out on the pitch. I’ll give everything for him.”