Steve Bruce names Newcastle United player who's 'knocking on the door'

The 29-year-old defender, out of contract at St James’s Park in the summer, returned for the club’s Under-23 side this week following knee surgery in February, and Schar – who is aiming to go to Euro 2020 with Switzerland – could be involved in Sunday’s home game against Arsenal.

“He’s trained the best part of eight, nine days,” said Steve Bruce “He’s there or thereabouts. We have to be wary, but he’s knocking on the door, yeah.”

Bruce reported no fresh injuries ahead of the Arsenal game, which follows last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield. United’s head coach said: “We’ve got a few bumps and bruises, but we’re all OK.”

Newcastle are 16th in the table – and nine points above the relegation zone – with five games left to play.