EDDIE HOWE is hoping Fabian Schar’s hamstring injury is not too serious, but admits the Swiss centre-half will have to be assessed in the next couple of days ahead of the final four games of the season.

Schar was clearly struggling in the latter stages of the first half of today’s 5-1 win over Sheffield United, with his limited mobility contributing to Newcastle’s shaky defensive display before the interval.

The 32-year-old initially tried to soldier on before admitting defeat and being replaced at the break, with Emil Krafth replacing him in the back four in the second half.

Howe does not think Schar has suffered a hamstring tear, but it remains to be seen whether he is able to feature in Newcastle’s remaining four matches, which will see them travel to Burnley, Manchester United and Brentford as well as hosting Brighton.

“Fabian had a bit of tightness in his hamstring,” said Howe, who saw his side climb to within a point of sixth-placed Manchester United, who were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Burnley. “We don’t think it’s a big injury – there’s not one moment where you think he’s pulled his hamstring – but it was enough to make him feel uncomfortable. He couldn’t fully sprint, so he had to come off.

“We were going to make the change (in the first half), but he said he was fine and he wanted to carry on. At half-time, it became clear so he couldn’t, so that’s when we eventually changed things.”

While Schar’s wellbeing will have to be assessed over the next few days, Tino Livramento came through his return to the starting line-up unscathed.

The full-back was forced to sit out Wednesday’s defeat at Crystal Palace because of an ongoing ankle issue, but he was confident he was fit enough to play this afternoon and helped drive Newcastle forward in the second half.

“Tino will be better for today,” said Howe. “We had a meeting yesterday, and he said he felt fit to play. He said he felt good. I backed him, and I thought he gave a really good performance for us.”

Howe was also pleased to see Callum Wilson come through a second substitute appearance in four days, with the striker scoring Newcastle’s fifth goal after leaving the bench in the second half.

“I always say when Callum comes back from injury, he always does the work,” said Howe. That’s sometimes very difficult when you’re having to do the same things again. He’s got to come back at such a good physical level to score goals, but again he’s done the work.

“It was slightly easier this time because it was an upper limb injury so he’s done a lot of running. I had no doubt he looked really great, and he looked great today when he came on. He could have scored more, but the one he did get was an incredible finish.”