Newcastle United starting XI & sub vs Bournemouth after defender ruled out of three matches

The Magpies have been without the defender for three of their last four games, firstly through suspension and then illness.

Schar was banned for away wins at Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal but returned to the starting XI for last Sunday’s 3-1 win over Bromley in the third round of the FA Cup.

United boss Eddie Howe was facing the difficult decision of deciding between Schar and Sven Botman to partner Dan Burn at centre-back for the 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday. However, the decision was ultimately made for him after Schar missed out through illness.

Asked if the 33-year-old would be back for the visit of Bournemouth, Howe told reporters at his pre-match: “We’ll make a decision today. Fabby trained yesterday but was not yet 100% himself in terms of his well-being.

“Nasty cough, I think he had a nasty illness so we’ll see how he has recovered today and then make a decision whether he is fit enough to be involved.”

Confirmation of Schar’s return has now arrived after the former Switzerland international was named on the bench. United are unchanged from the Wolves win.

Newcastle are looking to secure a 10th consecutive win in all competitions for the first time in their entire history. Howe, however, has never beaten former club Bournemouth in the Premier League since taking charge of United in October 2021.

NEWCASTLE UNITED: Martin Dubravka; Tino Livramento, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall; Bruno GuimarAes, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton; Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon. SUBS: Odysseas Vlachodimos, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Lloyd Kelly, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley, Joe Willock, Miguel Almiron, Will Osula.