Fabian Schar injury and contract update at Newcastle United

The defender, 28, had surgery after dislocating his shoulder against Tottenham Hotspur late last season – and he’s still around four weeks away from a playing comeback.

“He’s trying to get back, but dislocated his shoulder, so he had an operation,” said head coach Steve Bruce, who is looking to sign 24-year-old Arsenal defender Rob Holding on loan this season. “So he’s still at least four weeks away.”

Schar, in the final year of his deal, has been linked with a move away from Newcastle this summer. However, the Gazette understands the club has the option of extending his contract by another year.

Meanwhile, defender Florian Lejeune is set for a loan away from St James’s Park this season, with Alaves his most likely destination. The 29-year-old, signed from Eibar in 2017, is under contract at United until 2022.