The demanding nature of a Premier League season, especially when combined with European football, often reveals the true depth of a club’s squad.
For Newcastle United, that test has arrived earlier than anyone would have hoped.
The physical and emotional intensity of their midweek Champions League battle against Barcelona has come at a significant cost, leaving manager Eddie Howe with a growing list of absentees for the crucial Premier League trip to Bournemouth this weekend.
The most concerning new addition to that list is defender Fabian Schar. The experienced Swiss international suffered a nasty head injury during the match after bravely blocking a powerful shot from Marcus Rashford at close range.
The impact was severe and visibly left him dazed and unsteady on his feet. He initially tried to continue after receiving treatment on the pitch, but it became clear that he was not fit to carry on, and he was substituted in the 63rd minute.
After the match, manager Eddie Howe could provide little clarity, explaining that he was entirely in the hands of the medical team and had only received the initial message that Schar was okay to continue.
The player himself has now provided a definitive and disappointing update. Taking to social media, Schar confirmed that he will “miss a few games” as he recovers.
This rules him out of the upcoming match against Bournemouth, the Carabao Cup tie against Bradford City, and even the massive Premier League encounter with Arsenal next weekend.
This is particularly worrying as it is the second head injury Schar has sustained already this season, having also been forced off against Liverpool last month.
While he passed the concussion protocols on that occasion and played the following weekend, the club’s medical staff will undoubtedly be even more cautious with his recovery this time around.
The priority is always the long-term health of the player, and no risks will be taken with something as serious as a head injury.
His absence thrusts summer signing Malick Thiaw into the spotlight. The German defender, who joined from AC Milan for £35 million, is now almost certain to make his full debut for the club.
Thiaw came on to replace Schar against Barcelona and made a very positive impression in his brief time on the pitch.
Observers noted his exceptional composure on the ball, his physical presence, and a surprising calmness for a player making his first appearance on such a grand stage.
He looked every bit a ready-made Premier League defender, which is exactly what Newcastle will need from him now.
Unfortunately, Schar is far from the only player unavailable. The injury situation was already challenging before the Barcelona game.
Two other major summer signings, striker Yoane Wissa and midfielder Jacob Ramsey, remain 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 compound matters further, there is now a major 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 significant doubt.
It is a challenging situation that will test the squad’s strength and resilience to its limits. For Eddie Howe, it is a complex puzzle to solve.
He must find a way to secure a positive result on the road while integrating new players like Thiaw and managing the fitness of those who are still available.
How the team responds to this early-season adversity will be a telling sign of their character and their ambitions for the long campaign ahead.
