Newcastle facing injury issues ahead of Wolves test

The Magpies boss will be forced to assess his squad before travelling to the Black Country, with a number of players potentially missing for the crunch Premier League clash.

Jacob Murphy has had a scan on his hamstring injury and seemingly avoided a serious issue, but is unlikely to feature against Wolves.

Howe said: "Jacob's had another scan and again, nothing showing, so it's a strange one, but of course you have to go on the symptoms and how the player feels. 

"So I'm sure that will mean a period when Jacob has to come out, for how long I don't know, but we're very thankful it's not a serious problem."

Dan Burn is getting closer to a comeback after suffering a punctured lung and broken ribs and is now back on the grass.

Howe added: "Dan is improving, he's running, which is a really good thing. 

"His fitness will be OK, that won't be an issue, it'll just be managing the pain of his injury. He looks in good shape, it's just the top end pain when he's fully sprinting, so hopefully not long."

There is bad news for Fabian Schar, however, who has had surgery on his ankle and will be out for around three months.

The head coach added: "He had a successful surgery yesterday which is great news. Everything went according to plan. 

"It’s difficult to give a definitive but I think around three months out will be the diagnosis we’ll work towards. If it’s any quicker then great, but we need to give Fabian time to recover.”

Meanwhile, Tino Livramento has a hamstring issue, Emil Krafth has a knee concern and Jamaal Lascelles has a muscle problem.

Will Osula also has a foot injury but could return in time to play Wolves.