Newcastle United have received an injury boost ahead of facing Arsenal on Sunday.
The Magpies are in action at St James’ Park once again, as they welcome Arsenal to Tyneside.
Eddie Howe is expected to rotate his side, having made seven changes for the Carabao Cup win over Bradford City.
As part of Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Arsenal, the Toon boss has been backed to make another seven changes. That includes a return for Sandro Tonali, who was rested on Wednesday night.
Another player who was absent against Bradford City was Fabian Schar. He has sat out the Magpies’ last two games due to suffering a concussion in the Champions League loss to Barcelona.
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Fabian Schar back in Newcastle United training
However, it suddenly appears that a return for the 33-year-old is not too far away.
Newcastle United have released photos from their training session on Friday, as they prepare to face Arsenal in the Premier League.
The likes of Nick Woltemade, Dan Burn and Jacob Murphy have been pictured at the Newcastle United training ground, while there is also an appearance from Fabian Schar.
The Swiss centre-back is back on the grass alongside his teammates, as he continues his recovery from a concussion.
While he has been pictured in training, it is extremely unlikely that the £3million man will be passed fit to play against Arsenal. Concussion protocols mean he cannot return to action until a certain number of days have passed, with his involvement against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League on Wednesday evening also unclear.
Fabian Schar’s place in the Newcastle United starting XI under threat
During Eddie Howe’s reign as Newcastle United manager, Fabian Schar has been a mainstay in defence.
He has been one of the Magpies’ most consistent players, proving himself to be one of the club’s best ever signings in the process.
But now, for the first time under Howe, Schar’s place in the starting XI is at risk.
In his absence, Malick Thiaw has started in defence. The summer signing has been impressive too, showcasing exactly why Newcastle United identified him as a long-term successor to Schar.
When he is passed fit to play, it will be hard to justify Schar immediately reclaiming his place in the side. Thiaw is proving he should be in Newcastle’s best XI, with supporters eager to see him get a lengthy run in the team alongside Sven Botman.
That is a blow for Schar, but opportunities will certainly come his way amid the Magpies’ relentless run of fixtures.
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