Fabian Schar says that he hopes to feature for Newcastle in the final games of the season after issuing a positive update on his recovery.

The 29-year-old was expected to be out for 'several months' after sustaining a torn knee ligament in the 3-2 win over Southampton in February (via nufc.co.uk).

A Sky Sports report at the time speculated that he'd played his last game for the club given that the Swiss international is out of contract at the end of the season.

However, it seems his recovery may have exceeded expectations - Schar initially aimed to return in time for the European Championships in June, but now hopes he can have a say in keeping Newcastle up.

Schar: 'I will do everything' to return before the end of the season

"I'm quite happy where I am after seven weeks since my surgery," he said in a Q&A on Newcastle's Twitter account.

"The last five or six weeks I was working hard in Switzerland. The only aim I had was to do as many hours for the rehab as possible.

"I think I am on the right way. Still there is a bit to do and it's going to be tight for some games this season.

"It's my aim to help the team at the end of the season and I will do everything to try and do that but I can't exactly say if it is possible or not."

Schar has made 13 Premier League appearances for the Toon this season. He has averaged 1.6 tackles, 3.1 clearances, 0.8 blocks and 3.6 accurate long balls per match (via WhoScored).

Transfer Tavern verdict

The injury outlook is finally getting brighter for Newcastle. Miguel Almiron returned at Brighton, and Allan Saint-Maximin made his comeback off the bench in the draw with Tottenham at the weekend.

Most importantly, top scorer Callum Wilson looks to be back in contention for a critical visit to Burnley on Sunday.

Schar's return can't come soon enough, given that Steve Bruce had to deploy Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett, full-backs by trade, in a back three at the weekend.

In other news, Alan Shearer picked out an 'excellent' Newcastle performer against Spurs.