Injury-hit Schar joins list of unfit

NEWCASTLE United are facing a centre-back crisis for their final two matches of the season.

Both Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles have been ruled out for the remainder of term, while Ciaran Clark is also still recovering from an injury suffered pre-lockdown.

Lascelles has undergone surgery on his ankle while Schar headed straight for hospital with a dislocated shoulder.

Steve Bruce could have Florian Lejuene back for Brighton but may be forced to field Emil Krafth in the middle against the Seagulls.

Bruce said: “With turnaround being quick we have to look forward to next season.

“We are down to the bare bones, we have had eight or nine people missing.”

Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden – who can play centreback – are also out with soft tissue injuries.

Bruce said: “Fabian Schar has dislocated his shoulder and Jamaal Lascelles had an operation on his ankle yesterday.”

The injury woes won’t be consigned solely to the club’s defenders either, Bruce revealed.

“Allan Saint-Maximin has a calf – we’ll have to see on him,” he added. “We were already missing seven. It’s about getting a few back for the start of next season now.”

Reflecting on the 3-1 defeat against Spurs at St James’ Park, Bruce said: “I was delighted with the way we played.

“Unfortunately, we’re struggling defensively with the players we have missing.

“I don’t want to make that an excuse but I’m frustrated because I couldn’t have been more delighted with the football we played.”