Newcastle United are being forced into some tough decisions as the season wears on, and few areas of the squad are feeling the strain more than the heart of defence.
A growing list of injuries has left Eddie Howe with limited options, and those problems are now shaping what looks like a very sensible call regarding Fabian Schar’s immediate future at the club.
At one stage, there was a feeling that January could bring changes in central defence. Jamaal Lascelles has been linked with a possible move away, and with Schar approaching the end of his contract, some assumed the Swiss defender could also be allowed to leave if the right offer arrived.
However, football rarely follows the ideal plan, and Newcastle’s current injury situation has changed the picture completely.
With Sven Botman sidelined and Dan Burn also unavailable, Howe is left painfully short of experienced centre-backs. That reality alone makes it almost impossible to consider letting another defender walk out of the door.
In the middle of a demanding run of fixtures, stability becomes priceless, and Schar’s presence now feels more important than ever.
At the moment, the responsibility largely falls on Schar and Malick Thiaw. Thiaw has been one of the bright spots of the campaign and has shown maturity well beyond his years. Schar, meanwhile, continues to perform at a high level despite his age, showing no obvious signs of decline.
Even so, asking just two players to shoulder such a heavy workload is a risk, especially in a league as unforgiving as the Premier League.
That is why all signs point towards Schar staying put. With Newcastle already stretched thin, allowing an experienced and reliable defender to leave would only add to the pressure.
Reports suggesting interest from Germany may be flattering for the player, but they do little to help Newcastle’s immediate needs.
Schar’s contract situation naturally adds another layer to the conversation. His current deal expires at the end of the season, and in the past, he has hinted that he would be open to extending his stay on Tyneside.
For a player who has been at the club through highs and lows, that willingness matters. It speaks to his commitment and understanding of what he still brings to the team.
Reliable voices close to the club have now made it clear that a January exit is off the table. With injuries limiting Howe’s options, Schar is seen as essential for the months ahead.
His importance goes beyond simply being available. He offers qualities that few others in the squad can replicate.
When Newcastle need composure at the back, Schar provides it. He reads the game extremely well, regularly stepping in to cut out danger before it becomes a real threat. His interception numbers this season underline that point, as he leads the squad in that area. It is a quiet but vital part of defending, and one that often goes unnoticed until it is missing.
Equally important is his ability on the ball. Schar is comfortable playing out from the back and has the range of passing to switch play quickly. His long passing helps Newcastle move from defence to attack in a single moment, stretching opponents and creating space further up the pitch. No other defender in the squad offers that combination of awareness and distribution quite as consistently.
In a perfect world, Newcastle would have a fully fit squad and the luxury of planning for the future without compromise. Right now, though, reality demands pragmatism. Keeping Fabian Schar is not just the safest option, it is the smartest one. His experience, leadership, and unique skill set make him invaluable during a period where mistakes can be costly.
As problems continue to mount for Eddie Howe, Schar’s role becomes even clearer. He is no longer just a squad player approaching the end of his contract. He is a key figure holding things together at the back. For Newcastle United, ensuring he remains at St James’ Park for the remainder of the season feels less like a choice and more like a necessity.
