Burnleyvs.Newcastle

The Magpies came from behind to thrash Sheffield United 5-1 at St James' Park last weekend thanks to goals from Alexander Isak (2), Bruno Guimaraes, Callum Wilson and an own goal from Ben Osborn.

Howe's side currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, two points clear of Chelsea in eighth, while they are only one point behind sixth-placed Manchester United in the Europa League positions with four games left to play.

Newcastle's 2023-24 campaign has been defined by injuries and defender Fabian Schar became the latest player to sustain a problem in the win over Sheffield United.

The Switzerland international started at centre-back alongside Dan Burn, but he was seen in discomfort towards the end of the first half and was eventually withdrawn at the interval.

Fabian Schar set to miss rest of season

Howe has since revealed that Schar is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a "minor" hamstring injury, ruling him out of their final four top-flight fixtures.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of his 100th Premier League game as Newcastle manager on Saturday, Howe said: "Fabian will miss a period of time out with a minor hamstring problem. He won't be available tomorrow and I doubt we'll see him again this season."

Schar, who has played 45 times in all competitions for Newcastle this season, is the latest Magpies defender after Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles to enter the treatment room, while Burn is now the only fit senior centre-back at Howe's disposal.

Emil Krafth has had to fill in as a central defender for a few matches since the turn of the year, and Howe has "no doubts" that the Swede can perform well in the same role for the rest of the season.

"Especially in the centre-back position, we're lighter than we'd like to be with Jamaal (Lascelles), Sven (Botman) and now Fabian missing, but I thought Emil came onto the pitch and played really well last week when Fabian went off," said Howe.

"Emil has played in that central position well for us this season, going back to the Manchester United game in the Carabao Cup. I thought he was outstanding so it's something he's done before and I have no doubts over his qualities."

Howe issues update on Magpies quartet

Meanwhile, Howe has provided a positive injury update on Miguel Almiron (knee), Nick Pope (shoulder) and Joelinton (thigh), but Kieran Trippier (calf) is behind all three players in his recovery.

"We've had Miggy and Joelinton return to training this week, their first steps back into full team training," said Howe. "We've also seen that with Nick Pope so it's been a really good week to have three experienced, quality players back. It's certainly gave us a big lift.

"We'll see after today (if they are available for Burnley). I've got to make the right decisions for them individually and for the team. Respectively, they've been out different time lengths with significant injuries so we need to make sure we make this call right.

"Kieran lies just slightly behind the guys that have come back. 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. I say that with fingers crossed and he could be involved before the end of the season."

Newcastle travel to Turf Moor on Saturday seeking to do the double over Burnley after securing a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture at St James' Park back in September.