Alexander Isak’s 89th-minute penalty salvaged a dramatic 1-1 draw for Newcastle United at the AMX Stadium on May 4, but the post-match positivity was balanced against a late injury to Fabian Schar.
Schar, who delivered an impressive defensive display against Brighton and won the free kick that led to Isak's penalty, was substituted in stoppage time after moving awkwardly.
Manager Eddie Howe confirmed an issue over the Swiss international's fitness at full-time ahead of key games for the Magpies.
"I'm not 100% sure with Faby," said Howe. "Faby was limping, I don't know whether that's cramp or a muscle issue, so I'd need to check
The timing could not be worse as Newcastle gear up to face Chelsea on May 11 - in what could be a potential Champions League qualification playoff - with the two sides currently tied on 63 points in the race for a UCL spot.
Newcastle currently occupy fourth place in behind champions Liverpool (82 points), Arsenal (67) and Manchester City (64).
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The top five EPL sides qualify for the Champions League next season and Chelsea and Newcastle are deadlocked.
Nottingham Forest, sitting sixth with 60 points and a game in hand, remain firmly in contention for Champions League qualification and their final position could heavily impact Newcastle's European ambitions.
The Magpies face a challenging trip Arsenal after the Chelsea clash before closing their season at home against Everton on May 25th.
How the race stacks up for Champions League spots
Liverpool (82), Arsenal (67), and Man City (64) have virtually secured top-three positions, leaving Newcastle (63), Chelsea (63) and Forest (60) battling for the remaining two spots.
Sunday's Newcastle vs. Chelsea clash on Tyneside looms as season-defining. The winner would firmly grasp fourth place, while Newcastle's subsequent trip to Arsenal could either cement their position or derail the European dream.
Chelsea's final day showdown with Forest at the City Ground might ultimately determine who claims that coveted fifth spot.
For Newcastle, winning their home fixtures against Chelsea and Everton could prove sufficient regardless of the Arsenal result.
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