Howe says fellow left-back Matt Targett is also unavailable for "around three months" with a hamstring injury suffered in the Carabao Cup win at Manchester United on 1 November.

"Dan Burn will be out for some time," Howe said on Monday.

"It's another long-term problem. He landed on his spine, it's a huge blow.

"He's been gigantic for us since he signed [from Brighton in 2022]. His character and determination to win and his versatility. It's something we have to roll with."

Burn has been a mainstay in the Newcastle defence this season, starting every game in the Premier League and Champions League so far.

Howe, who was speaking in Germany before his side's Champions League group match with Borussia Dortmund, said Burn's unavailability for two months was "a speculative number for us".

He added: "It's not just one position we're losing, but his ability to play centre-back as well."

Newcastle are currently third in Group F, one place behind Borussia Dortmund, who they trail following their defeat by the Bundesliga side last month.