'Not trained' - Newcastle United star ruled out for seven weeks as 'nasty' illness casts doubt vs Bournemouth

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Newcastle United injury latest as Eddie Howe’s side to prepare to face AFC Bournemouth and Southampton.

Newcastle United will make a late call on Fabian Schar’s fitness ahead of Saturday lunchtime’s game against AFC Bournemouth.

Eddie Howe’s side have been without the former Switzerland international for three of their last four games, firstly through suspension and then illness.

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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.

Newcastle United player Fabian Schar in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Newcastle United FC at Old Trafford on December 30, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Newcastle United player Fabian Schar in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Newcastle United FC at Old Trafford on December 30, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United player Fabian Schar in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Newcastle United FC at Old Trafford on December 30, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Howe was facing the difficult decision of deciding between Schar and Sven Botman against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday. However, the decision was ultimately made for him after Schar missed out through illness.

Asked if the 33-year-old will be back for the visit of Bournemouth, Howe said: “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.”

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Howe confirmed tomorrow’s game will come too soon for goalkeeper Nick Pope, meaning his absence extends into a seventh week.

Since Pope sustained his knee injury in the 4-2 defeat at Brentford on December 7, the Magpies have won all nine of their games with Martin Dubravka keeping six clean sheets along the way.

Pope’s absence and Dubravka’s form have prevented Newcastle from sanctioning the Slovakian’s move to Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab. Dubravka is now expected to remain at St James’ Park until his contract expires on June 30, although there is a chance he could sign an extension.

Pope, meanwhile, is set to be back in the matchday squad for the long trip to Southampton next Saturday.

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“I think tomorrow might be a little bit too early but certainly he is going to be close for next week,” Howe said. “He’s not trained with us yet but he’s certainly building up to that moment.

“We’re happy with where he is at. I think mentally he’s getting there ready to play.”

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