Toon boss Howe confirms Burn is facing months out with spine injury

Newcastle defender Dan Burn is facing months on the sidelines with an injury to his spine. 

The 31-year-old hurt his back after landing awkwardly following an aerial challenge during Saturday's 1-0 Premier League win over Arsenal and could be out for around two months. 

Boss Eddie Howe said: "Dan will be out for some time, I think, so it's another long-term problem. 

"A couple of months is sort of a speculative number for us. 

"He landed on his spine. I think he's got a problem with the base of his spine, so a huge blow."

Asked about the impact of Burn's absence, Howe added: "He's been gigantic for us since he signed for lots of different reasons.

"His character, his determination to win, his experience and his versatility as well. 

"It's not just one position we're losing, we're losing his ability to play centre-back. 

"But it's something we have to roll with." 

Howe also confirmed Matt Targett — a possible replacement for Burn a left-back — is facing a potential three-month lay-off with a hamstring injury.

He revealed: "He's seeing a specialist tonight but it won't be a short-term fix. 

"He will probably be out around three months. That's a rough estimate.

"You're always going to get injuries. Some of the injuries are on a longer-term scale so there's no relief coming around the corner. 

"We wouldn't have it any other way. The games have come at a cost."