Newcastle United injury boost after 'huge' player ruled out for three months
Newcastle United injuries: Eddie Howe has issued a positive update regarding Fabian Schar’s return to action.
Fabian Schar is closing in on an injury comeback for Newcastle United following a three-month stint on the sidelines, according to Eddie Howe.
The Swiss centre-back has been recovering from a freak ankle injury sustained during January’s 4-3 victory over Leeds United, an issue that ultimately required surgical intervention.
Schar's rehabilitation process included a period of training in the Dubai, where he was briefly stranded due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
But he is now back on Tyneside and targeting the Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace on April 12 for his return to competitive action
Eddie Howe highlighted the significance of having Schar back in contention alongside other key absentees, noting: “Fingers crossed, [after the international break] for Bruno [Guimaraes] and also for Fabian.
“I know Bruno is feeling that frustration [of not playing] currently. It is the same for Lewy Miley, for Fabian Schar. They are huge players for us that we have really missed.”
Fabian Schar return date?
When asked specifically about Schar’s potential return, Howe added: “He's been working hard. He was in the Middle East training, of course that was difficult for him.
“But he's back, doing well. I think he's feeling good about his body, he's feeling good on his rehab. He's certainly been a big miss for us, Fabi.
“He's such a great user of the ball, and his passing range has been a huge miss to the team. And also his character, he's a great lad, and really well liked by his teammates. Hopefully, we can get him fit. We've got a good period of training time with him, so the Palace game, I'm sure, will be a target for him, whether that's realistic or not. But let's wait and see.”
Schar’s return to action would be a timely one given that fellow defender Sven Botman has just been ruled out for an extended period.
NUFC release Sven Botman injury statement
Botman required surgery after being forced off with a facial injury against Sunderland on Sunday. It prompted Newcastle to release an official statement.
“Newcastle United defender Sven Botman has undergone successful surgery on a facial fracture,” it read. “Following concussion protocol, the Dutchman was substituted after suffering the injury during the second half of Sunday's game against Sunderland at St James' Park.