Fabian Schar reacts after returning to training at Newcastle United following injury lay-off

However, the Newcastle United defender, sidelined since suffering a knee injury in February which needed surgery, returned to training this week.

Head coach Steve Bruce yesterday admitted that this afternoon’s Premier League game against Liverpool at Anfield would most likely come too soon for Schar, but the return of the 29-year-old with a month of the campaign left is significant given the loss of Jamaal Lascelles to a foot injury earlier this month. Karl Darlow and Ryan Fraser have also undergone operations on their respective knee and groin injuries.

"He’s worked extremely hard,” said injury-hit Bruce, who doesn’t expect captain Lascelles to play again this season. “It’s good to see him back.”

Schar, pushing to be fit ahead of Switzerland’s Euro 2020 campaign, told of his delight at his return in a social media post. Schar said on Instragram: "Feels good to be back training with the boys.”