DAN BURN has been ruled out for two months with a spinal injury, Eddie Howe has confirmed.
The news comes as a huge blow for Newcastle ahead of their Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
Burn was forced off seconds into the second half against Arsenal on Saturday.
He will now be out for a lengthy period, Howe explained during his pre-match press conference.
“Dan will be out for some time I think,” the Newcastle boss revealed, before adding that two months is “a speculative number for us”.
Howe continued: “He landed on his spine, he’s got a problem at the base of his spine. It’s a huge blow.”
Burn had been an ever present in the Premier League for the Magpies this season.
He also started each of their first three Champions League matches, scoring in the home victory against Paris Saint-Germain last month.
The defender has been a key man for Newcastle since signing for his boyhood club from Brighton in 2022.
Howe said: “He’s been gigantic for us for lots of different reasons.
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“It’s not just one position we’re losing, but his ability to play centre-back as well.”
Newcastle were narrowly beaten at St. James’ Park by Dortmund in their last European tie.
They go into Tuesday’s match third in the group, level on points with PSG.
A win in Germany could take Howe’s side back to the top of the group ahead of their final two matches.