Schar scare on eve of new season
NEWCASTLE United are hoping Fabian Schar has not suffered a serious injury days before the Premier League opener with Southampton after the Swiss defender limped out of Saturday’s Sela Cup win over Brest.
The centre-back made a lastditch tackle to deny Kenny Lala from taking a shot at goal in the closing stages but appeared to injure his ankle in the process. Schar received lengthy treatment from the physios before attempting to soldier on for a matter of minutes.
However, the 32-year-old never looked comfortable and was soon replaced by youngster Ellis Stanton for the final minutes of the Sela Cup clash. Now, Eddie Howe is hoping the issue doesn’t prove to be a serious one.
“I haven’t spoken with Fabby yet, I hope it’s not too bad,” he told reporters after Saturday’s 1-0 victory. “It seemed like an ankle twist. He obviously felt a little discomfort but we hope he’ll be OK.”
Schar took to social media after his St James’ Park return, moving to offer a little reassurance following his early exit from Saturday’s proceedings. “Good runout and great to see so many of you at SJP,” he wrote on X. “Fully focused on the big start to the season next week.”
Should Schar not recover in time for the first game of the season at home to Southampton on Saturday, Emil Krafth will likely deputise at the heart of the defence.
That is, of course, unless Newcastle can make progress on a deal for Marc Guehi in the next few days. Talks between all parties are continuing. Newcastle remain committed to getting a deal done for the England international, despite having two previous offers rebuffed.
“For me, I am focusing on the players that we do have,” Howe responded when quizzed over transfer activity on Saturday. “The games are challenging enough so all my energy is towards Southampton.”