Newcastle United confusion as key man 'fully expecting' to play again this season after 'doubt' claim

Fabian Schar says he is “fully expecting” to play for Newcastle United again this season, despite Eddie Howe doubting that to be the case.

The 32-year-old picked up a hamstring injury during last weekend’s 5-1 win at home to Sheffield United and had to be replaced at half-time.

Howe ruled Schar out of Saturday’s trip to Burnley and said there is doubt over whether he’ll return before the end of the campaign.

The United boss said: “Fabian, I think, will miss a period of time out with a minor hamstring problem. He won’t be available tomorrow and doubt we’ll see him again this season.”

Schar, however, hasn’t lost hope on making a comeback ahead of going to Euro 2024 with Switzerland.

Speaking to the Swiss media, as relayed by the Daily Mail’s Matt Law, Schar said: “In my opinion it’s not that bad and I’m fully expecting to play for Newcastle this season. Accordingly, I have no worries at all when it comes to the European Championships.”

Schar’s absence means Newcastle have just one senior recognised central defender available. Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman won’t return until late 2024 as they recover from ACL injuries, meaning Emil Krafth is due to line-up alongside Dan Burn.

Howe said: “In the centre-back position we’re lighter than we’d like to be, of course with Jamaal, Sven and now Fabby missing but Emil Krafth came onto the pitch and I thought played really, really well last week.

“And Emil has played in that central position well for us this year, going back to the Manchester United game in the Carabao Cup, I thought he was outstanding. It is something we’ve done before and I have no doubt over his qualities.”