Newcastle United star ruled out for 12 days as Eddie Howe issues official update
The Newcastle United defender will miss another two games after sitting out of the draw with AFC Bournemouth.
Eddie Howe has provided an injury update on Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar.
The 33-year-old was forced to withdraw during the second half of the Magpies’ 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League on Thursday night.
Schar took a heavy bang to the head after blocking Marcus Rashford’s powerful shot but was initially cleared to continue by the United physios.
A few moments later, Rashford then ghosted past Schar in the box to head Barca in front before the former Switzerland international went down for a second time.
Schar was replaced by Malick Thiaw in the 63rd minute, though the exact nature of his injury wasn’t confirmed until after Sunday’s goalless draw away to AFC Bournemouth.
Fabian Schar issues Newcastle United injury update
On Friday, Schar revealed he would be sidelined for a “few” games, though didn’t specify why.
He wrote on Instagram: “Disappointed not to have got more from the game but plenty more points to pick up this campaign!🖤🤍
“Unfortunately, I am gonna miss a few games but hope to be back soon🙏@worflags, unbelievable as always 🏁”
While it was suspected that Schar was missing due to concussion protocols, that wasn’t officially confirmed until Howe spoke to the media after Bournemouth.
Eddie Howe confirms Fabian Schar diagnosis
Howe has revealed a 12-day concussion protocol is in place, meaning Schar will miss the next two games against Bradford City and Arsenal with a view to returning for the Champions League trip away to Union SG next Wednesday.
“I think he's doing okay, yeah, I think it was a 12-day concussion for Fabi,” Howe said. “All the checks were cleared on the pitch, but this was a concussion that was diagnosed after the game.
This is the second head injury Schar has suffered this campaign, having also been forced off against Liverpool last month.
After that game, Howe described Schar as having suffered from a “concussion” but he passed the subsequent protocols and started at Leeds United the following weekend.
Malick Thiaw makes Newcastle United debut
In Schar’s absence, £35million summer signing Malick Thiaw made his full debut, playing in a back three alongside Sven Botman and Dan Burn as Newcastle kept a clean sheet at the Vitality Stadium.
Assessing Thiaw’s debut, Howe said: "I thought we saw his qualities as an outstanding player. Very promising debut from him. He was getting fatigued at the end. Not seen it again.”