'Terrifying' - Newcastle United defender issues statement after being caught up in Middle East conflict
Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar was in the Middle East when the conflict began.
Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar has spoken of his terror after being caught up in the Middle East conflict.
On Saturday, Israel and the United States launched an attack against Iran's leadership and military, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran responded with attacks on Israel, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus.
Several allied countries in the Middle East have come under attack from Iran, including Dubai, which has been hit by missiles and drones.
‘Terrifying’ - Fabian Schar issues statement
Schar is currently recovering from the ankle injury he sustained in Newcastle’s 4-3 victory over Leeds United on January 7 and as part of his rehabilitation programme has been in the region.
The 34-year-old has witnessed the conflict first-hand and has now shared his experience after finally returning home to Newcastle.
Many flights to and from the region have been cancelled for safety reasons while the fighting is still going on, meaning planes can't land or take off.
Schar wrote on Instagram: “I've just had a few of my most terrifying days having unfortunately witnessed first-hand what's happening in the Middle East. I was there as part of my rehabilitation programme and I'm glad I found a way to get home safely.
“But what we experienced there, and what's happening right now, is truly frightening. I hope that help gets to all of the people who need it in those affected areas.”
Fabian Schar injury latest
Football very much feels irrelevant in these types of situations but for Schar himself, he will now focus on getting himself back fit, with an April return date in mind.
Speaking in January, head coach Eddie Howe said: “He had a successful surgery yesterday, which is great news. Everything went according to plan. I think, difficult to give a definitive [date] but roughly around three months, I think, will be the diagnosis that we'll work towards if it's any quicker than great.
“But I think we need to give Fabian now the time to recover, it's quite a serious injury.”