As Newcastle United prepares for a massive Premier League clash against Arsenal this Sunday, the atmosphere around the training ground has received a welcome lift.
There’s nothing quite like seeing a key player return to the fold after an injury, and for the Magpies, that positive sight came in the form of defender Fabian Schar.
The Swiss international has been missing from action for the team’s last two matches after suffering a concussion during the intense Champions League battle against Barcelona.
Concussions are always treated with the utmost care in modern football, with strict protocols in place to ensure a player’s long-term health, so his absence was both expected and necessary.
However, the club’s recent training photos provided a clear and encouraging sign. There was Schar, back on the grass with his teammates, participating in sessions as the squad geared up for the visit of the title-challenging Gunners.
Seeing a familiar face like his involved is a boost for everyone connected with the club. It signals that the player is progressing well through the recovery process and is on the right track to making a full return.
For a defender of his experience and quality, having him back in the environment is a step in the right direction.
Now, it is very important to manage expectations. Just because a player is back in training does not mean he is immediately ready for a full 90 minutes of high-stakes Premier League football.
The protocols for head injuries are non-negotiable and designed for player safety. There is a mandatory waiting period that must be observed before medical staff can clear him for contact.
Therefore, it is highly unlikely that Schar will be thrust straight back into the starting lineup against Arsenal.
His return will probably be managed more cautiously, with the following Champions League match against Union Saint-Gilloise being a more realistic potential target for his comeback.
This extended absence, however, has created an interesting situation for manager Eddie Howe. For a very long time, Fabian Schar has been an automatic choice in the heart of Newcastle’s defense.
His partnership with Sven Botman has been a cornerstone of the team’s success under Howe. He has been incredibly consistent, reliable, and a fan favorite, proving to be one of the club’s best value signings in recent memory. When a player like that is unavailable, it is always considered a significant blow.
But every challenge presents an opportunity for someone else. In this case, the opportunity has fallen to summer signing Malick Thiaw.
The German defender was brought in from AC Milan for a reason: to provide top-quality cover and eventually succeed the aging Schar.
In the matches he has started during Schar’s absence, Thiaw has not just filled a gap; he has been genuinely impressive.
He has shown composure, strength, and the technical ability that made him a target for the club. He has looked every bit like a long-term solution for the defense.
This presents Eddie Howe with a decision he has not had to make before. For the first time in his tenure, Schar’s place in the starting eleven is not guaranteed.
When he is fully fit and cleared to play, does Howe immediately bring his experienced warrior back into the team? Or does he stick with the in-form Thiaw, who has done nothing to deserve being dropped?
It is the kind of selection dilemma that managers love to have, as it signifies strength and depth within the squad.
So, while the immediate news of Schar’s training return is positive for the club’s spirit, his actual return to the pitch will be a carefully managed process.
In the meantime, the impressive performances of Malick Thiaw have given the manager both confidence and a welcome headache.
The competition for places is heating up, and that is ultimately a very healthy sign for a club with ambitions of competing on all fronts.
The road to full recovery for Fabian Schar has begun, but the path back to the starting lineup might now be more competitive than ever.
