Steve Bruce has confirmed the 'worry' that he has for Ryan Fraser ahead of Newcastle United going to Burnley in the Premier League at Sunday lunchtime.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against Sean Dyche's men at Turf Moor, the former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss said (via NUFC) that the groin injury suffered by the former AFC Bournemouth ace 'hasn't improved'.

This comes after a big setback for Jamaal Lascelles, who Bruce also confirmed will not be able to play against the Clarets after a foot injury that he suffered in their 2-2 draw to Tottenham Hotspur at St. James' Park.

The skipper and Fraser will both be a huge miss for the North East club against their fellow relegation-threatened rivals, assuming that the latter does not make a miraculous late recovery.

Newcastle would miss Fraser

Aside from the sheer pace that the Scotland international offers the Tyneside club down the wing, the Magpies would also miss Fraser's creativity should he be ruled out of the game.

The 27-year-old is joint with fellow Scotsman Matt Ritchie in terms of most average key passes per match (1.4) out of his teammates in the top flight so far in the 2020/21 term, and he also comes only second to Ritchie with regards to crosses (1.4) per game (Whoscored).

Nonetheless, it looks like the Toon will have to try and find a way to win without him on Sunday.

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