Newcastle United most important player ruled out for a month after revealing official return date

Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar is set to miss up to a month of action following his red card during the clash against Southampton on Saturday. The Swiss center-back was sent off early in the match, leaving the Magpies to play with 10 men for the majority of the game. Schar’s absence is a significant blow for Newcastle as they navigate a crucial period in the Premier League and domestic cup competitions.

The incident that led to Fabian Schar’s dismissal occurred in the first half when the Newcastle defender clashed with Southampton forward Ben Brereton Diaz. After a physical confrontation that saw Brereton Diaz shove Schar to the ground, the Swiss defender responded by getting to his feet and gesturing towards his opponent with his head. Referee Craig Pawson immediately deemed Schar’s actions as violent conduct and issued a straight red card. In contrast, Brereton Diaz received only a yellow card for his involvement in the altercation.

Schar’s red card carries a three-match ban due to the nature of the offense, classified as violent conduct. This ruling not only sidelines him for key Premier League fixtures but also extends to domestic cup competitions, potentially affecting Newcastle’s progress in the Carabao Cup.

In the aftermath of the match, Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe hinted that the club might appeal the decision in an attempt to reduce Schar’s suspension.

However, overturning such rulings is notoriously challenging, as Newcastle has experienced in the past. If the appeal fails, Schar will be forced to miss crucial upcoming fixtures, including Premier League matches against AFC Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as the Carabao Cup second-round tie against Nottingham Forest.

Fabian Schar’s suspension comes at a critical time for Newcastle United, as they face a packed schedule over the next few weeks. Schar has been a key figure in Newcastle’s defense, known for his leadership and reliability at the back. His absence will leave a significant void in Eddie Howe’s squad, potentially disrupting the team’s defensive stability.

With Schar sidelined, Newcastle may need to rely on other options in central defense, such as Jamaal Lascelles or Sven Botman, to fill the gap. The upcoming matches will test the depth of Newcastle’s squad and their ability to cope without one of their most experienced defenders.

Schar’s current situation isn’t his first experience with a controversial red card at Newcastle United. Back in May 2021, Schar was sent off during a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in a decision that the club also appealed, but the ban was upheld by an independent panel. This history adds another layer of frustration for both the player and the club as they face the prospect of losing Schar for multiple matches once again.

Moreover, the impact of red card suspensions transcending all domestic competitions has been felt by Newcastle in the past. For instance, Nick Pope’s red card against Liverpool in the Premier League last season ruled him out of the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.

Similarly, Bruno Guimaraes missed three Premier League matches after being sent off in the Carabao Cup semi-final, although he was available for the final. These precedents underline the broader consequences of red card suspensions for Newcastle, beyond just missing league games.

Assuming Schar’s suspension stands, he will miss Newcastle’s next three Premier League matches, starting with a crucial encounter against AFC Bournemouth. This will be followed by a fixture against Nottingham Forest and a high-stakes match against Tottenham Hotspur. Additionally, Schar’s absence in the Carabao Cup second-round match against Nottingham Forest adds another layer of complexity to Eddie Howe’s selection dilemmas.

Newcastle will be eager to maintain their momentum during this period, despite the absence of one of their defensive stalwarts. The match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on September 15, which Schar is scheduled to return for, could mark a turning point in the club’s campaign as they aim to re-establish their full defensive strength.

Fabian Schar’s suspension presents a challenging period for Newcastle United, both in the Premier League and domestic cup competitions. The decision to appeal the red card may offer a glimmer of hope, but the likelihood of success is uncertain. As Newcastle prepares to face a series of important matches without Schar, the team’s depth and resilience will be put to the test.

Eddie Howe’s ability to manage this setback and keep his squad focused will be crucial as Newcastle aims to continue their positive start to the season. With or without Schar, the Magpies will need to demonstrate their defensive solidity and adaptability in the weeks ahead to maintain their ambitions in both the league and cup competitions.