While it’s been promising to see Newcastle United able to field Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes in pre-season, there is always a slight concern during this stage of the summer.
With only a few weeks before the start of the Premier League season left, any injury now would be a worry.
Couple that with the fact Newcastle hardly have the deepest squad in the world and the idea of a key player picking up a knock is certainly a concern.
So, the sight of Fabian Schar coming off against Chelsea in Atlanta would have worried Eddie Howe.
After the draw, Howe provided an update.
Eddie Howe provides latest update on Fabian Schar
The Swiss international, such a key player last season and a bargain at £3m, was replaced by young Alex Murphy in the first-half against the Blues.
Speaking after the game, Howe shared the latest on Schar, telling the club’s official channel: “We think he’s OK. He’s saying he’s got a tightness in his hamstring – he doesn’t think he’s pulled any muscle but certainly a concern for us.”
Newcastle are back in action against Brighton during the early hours of Saturday morning (UK time) which ends their tour of the United States in the Premier League Summer Series.
Underlines just how light Newcastle are defensively
This summer, the club have been linked with moves for the likes of Harry Maguire and Joachim Andersen.
Currently, no reinforcement has arrived defensively and an injury to Schar or Sven Botman would leave them incredibly light.
Howe has talked up Jamaal Lascelles but having to start him in place of either is hardly ideal, with the pair combining so well last season.
While this particular problem may not be a huge one for Schar, it does underline the shortage of numbers at the back.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
