The demanding schedule of a club competing in the UEFA Champions League often reveals the true depth of a squad, and for Newcastle United, that test has arrived sooner than anyone would have liked.
The physical and emotional intensity of the midweek clash with Barcelona has left a significant mark, not just on the scoreline, but on the team’s availability for the important Premier League fixtures ahead.
The club is now dealing with a growing injury list that will force manager Eddie Howe into making several changes for the trip to the south coast to face AFC Bournemouth.
The most concerning new absence is that of defender Fabian Schar. The Swiss international suffered a nasty head injury during the Barcelona match after bravely blocking a powerful shot from Marcus Rashford at close range.
The impact was visibly severe, leaving Schar dazed and unsteady. He initially tried to continue playing after receiving treatment, but it became clear that he was not fit to continue, and he was substituted in the second half.
After the match, manager Eddie Howe could only confirm that he was in the hands of the medical team, with the initial message from the doctors having been that Schar was okay to carry on.
The player himself has now provided a clear update, and it’s disappointing news for the team. Taking to social media, Schar confirmed that he will “miss a few games” as he recovers.
This rules him out of the Bournemouth match, the Carabao Cup tie against Bradford City in midweek, and even the huge Premier League encounter with Arsenal next weekend.
This is particularly worrying as it is the second head injury Schar has sustained this season, having also been forced off against Liverpool last month.
While he passed the concussion protocols that time and played the following weekend, the club will undoubtedly be even more cautious with his recovery now.
His absence creates a major opportunity for another summer signing. Malick Thiaw, who joined from AC Milan for £35 million, is now almost certain to make his full debut for the club.
The German defender came on to replace Schar against Barcelona and made a very positive impression in his brief cameo.
Observers noted his composure on the ball, his physical presence, and his surprising calmness on such a big stage.
He looked like a player ready to step in and contribute immediately, which is exactly what Newcastle will need from him now.
Unfortunately, Schar is not the only player who will be missing. The injury situation had already been challenging before the Barcelona game.
Two other major summer signings, striker Yoane Wissa and midfielder Jacob Ramsey, are ruled out until after the next international break.
Additionally, winger Anthony Gordon will serve the final match of his three-game suspension against Bournemouth.
To make matters even more complicated, there is a doubt over the fitness of vice-captain Kieran Trippier, who also had to be substituted against Barcelona. Manager Howe was unable to provide an update on him immediately after the final whistle.
This means Newcastle could be without at least four key players for the Bournemouth match, with a fifth a major doubt.
It is a significant setback so early in the season and will test the squad’s strength and resilience. For Eddie Howe, it’s a challenging puzzle to solve.
He must find a way to secure a positive result on the road while integrating new players and managing the fitness of those who are still available.
How the team responds to this adversity will be a telling sign of their character and their ambitions for the season ahead.
