Newcastle United dealt concerning injury blow minutes into Bristol City friendly - this does not look good

Fabian Schar has suffered a fresh setback in his road to recovery for Newcastle United after being forced off in the friendly match against Bristol City.

Just days earlier, Schar made his return from a seven-month injury absence in the 1-1 draw at Gateshead. The Swiss centre-back suffered a serious ankle injury back in January before a foot infection delayed his return to action.

But after getting through 60 minutes before a planned change at Gateshead, Schar lasted less than 20 before he was forced off at Ashton Gate and replaced by Alex Murphy.

The 34-year-old fell awkwardly off the ball and looked in some distress before getting to his feet and hobbling straight down the tunnel as he was substituted off.

With Malick Thiaw only just returning from a World Cup break and Dan Burn still away, Newcastle are left with limited defensive options should Schar remain sidelined for an extended period once again.

Things quickly went from bad to worse for Newcastle after Schar’s withdrawal as they conceded two quick goals from Sam Greenwood and Laurent Tolaj as the home side went 2-0 up.

Speaking about his injury recovery before his latest setback, Schar said: “It's been a difficult time after my injury and what happened with my foot. I was glad I could really focus on coming back and knowing what's going to happen this year, being ready for day one.

"The last six months after my injury were the hardest of my career. I had to go through a lot and it was hard so I'm feeling a lot better now.

"There was unfinished business. I had a big setback with surgery which wasn't planned. I was close to coming back earlier and then had an infection which was tough. I felt gutted for it to end like that but I feel I am still able to add something to the team.”

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