Newcastle United key man in line for recall after 'outstanding' defender ruled out of two games

The Magpies have been without Schar for the last three matches following his controversial red card against Southampton on the opening day. Emil Krafth has stepped up in the former Switzerland international’s absence, helping United enjoy their best start to a Premier League season in 13 years as well as advancing into the third round of the Carabao Cup.

“Fabian's ball playing abilities are unquestioned so we have missed that aspect of his game but I think Emil has done an outstanding job,” Howe told NewcastleWorld. “I can't compliment him enough especially when you consider that it is not his first position.

“He's been playing centre-half now for a while, we started that work with him at the back end of last season when we saw that as a position he could play in and play very well. He did that against Manchester United last year in the Carabao Cup, he was magnificent that night.

“It's an area that we see Emil developing more in as his career goes on with us but having that dual role is key - similar to the qualities Lloyd Kelly has in terms of playing both positions. But Fabian is unique and of course we've missed his outstanding qualities.”

Howe has a tough decision but choosing between Schar and Krafth could be made for him with the latter nursing an injury in recent weeks. It forced the 30-year-old to withdraw from the Sweden squad, where Alexander Isak starred in both their Nations League C wins against Azerbaijan and Estonia.

Howe added: “He's been nursing a problem but we have seen him in training. He missed the training towards the back end of last week and the early sessions of this week but he's joined in the last couple of days so hopefully he'll be OK.”