Newcastle United captain Dan Burn has confirmed he does not expect to return to action until after the September international break after rolling his ankle in training.
Burn missed Sunday's Premier League opener against Liverpool after picking up the injury last Thursday. The 34-year-old was seen entering St James' Park in a protective boot and on crutches before travelling to London to see a specialist.
Burn opens up on injury
Speaking in the official matchday programme, Burn said: "I missed the game due to an injury I picked up on training on Thursday. I rolled my ankle and went down to London to see a specialist on Friday. I was in agony, trying to walk through Newcastle city centre without limping, and then I had people asking me on the train what I was going down for, so I was having to make up all sorts of excuses."
He added: "We did well to keep the injury under wraps until a few hours before kick-off. It's not my first injury and I'm sure it won't be my last but hopefully I won't be out for long - I expect to be back after the international break."
Defensive options thin
Burn's absence leaves Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Fabian Schar as the three fit senior centre-halves in the squad, with youngster Miodrag Pivas having been used in pre-season.
It remains to be seen whether the club will look to sign another defender in the final week of the transfer window to cover for Burn's absence.
