After missing two consecutive matches due to a concussion, Newcastle United’s defender, Fabian Schär, has returned to training, sparking hope among supporters that he might be available for the upcoming Premier League clash against Arsenal.
The former Swiss international suffered a head injury during a Champions League match against Barcelona, which was diagnosed as a concussion requiring a 12-day recovery period.
While Schär himself had indicated on social media that he would “miss a few games,” his recent appearance in training has created a buzz of anticipation.
According to the FA’s rules on concussions, the earliest a player can return to play is 12 days after the initial injury, with an exception allowing a seven-day return if specific criteria are met.
Since Schär’s injury occurred on a Tuesday, the standard 12-day period would end the following Tuesday.
This timeline makes his return for the Arsenal match highly unlikely but suggests he could be available for the Champions League game against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
In Schär’s absence, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has had to adjust his defensive strategy. At Bournemouth, the team played with a back five, featuring Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, and Dan Burn as the central defenders.
Against Bradford City, with Burn rested, Thiaw and Botman formed a partnership at the heart of the defense.
Howe has been particularly pleased with the developing partnership between Thiaw and Botman. The manager praised Botman, calling him a “magnificent player” who has been a key part of the team’s strong defense.
Howe noted that Botman’s recent long-term injury set him back, but he believes the player is now close to returning to his best form.
The manager also had high praise for the new signing, Thiaw, stating that he has been “really impressive in the early weeks.”
The potential return of Schär would be a significant boost for Newcastle as they face one of the Premier League’s top teams.
His experience and leadership on the field could prove invaluable. However, even if he remains sidelined, Howe has confidence in his other defenders and the burgeoning partnership between Thiaw and Botman to get the job done.
The club’s handling of Schär’s recovery shows their commitment to player safety while still managing to find a way to perform at a high level.
