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Lee Ryder

Rafa Benitez reveals why Fabian Schar came off against Southampton - as Federico Fernandez is placed on standby for Brighton trip

Rafa Benitez has revealed that Fabian Schar is a doubt for Newcastle United's game at Brighton next weekend.

Schar - who has recently recovered from a head injury - was taken off before the end of the win over Southampton and looked in discomfort as he was replaced by Federico Fernandez .

Benitez said Schar had a muscle problem but there is enough back-up to get the squad through the season with just three games to go.

When asked about Schar , Benitez said: "He has a little problem in the gluteus.

"He was complaining yesterday and we saw him in the first half, but we were not very keen to make any substitutions at the beginning of the second half because we knew that we had two or three little problems and in the end, it was like that.

"It's bad for them, but you never know.

"We have other players and maybe they can try their best now."

Benitez is also resigned to getting through the campaign without Miguel Almiron after the South American picked up a hamstring injury.

Benitez said: "It's not easy for a player who is doing well in another country at a massive club in front of 52,000 fans with this atmosphere, and then to get injured and maybe lose the rest of the season."

Benitez: Perez's form for Newcastle United not just down to Almiron arrival

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