Steve Bruce feared that Fabian Schar was facing a long spell on the sidelines after he left the pitch clutching his shoulder a fortnight ago.

Bruce was particularly worried given that Schar had had surgery on that same shoulder in July after dislocating it against Tottenham Hotspur.

However, the Newcastle United defender still linked up with Switzerland, and Bruce – who welcomes captain Jamaal Lascelles back from a hamstring strain for tonight’s home game against Manchester United – was “staggered” to see the 28-year-old play three games for his country during the international break.

“They're both OK,” said United’s head coach. “Jamaal’s trained all week after his hamstring strain, and Fab Schar, I was staggered to see him play, but he was fine, he was OK, and we're delighted that he's come through.

“He's played now three games since he came off, so I'm really pleased with that as well. He's fine."