Eddie Howe now says Newcastle United have missed ‘unique’ player this season

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe could make a change to his defence for Sunday’s game against Wolves.

The Magpies have got Fabian Schar back from suspension, after the Newcastle United defender missed the previous three games due to suspension.

Schar has only played 28 minutes so far this season, having been sent off early on the opening day of the new campaign.

But now he is available again, and will hope to be selected for Newcastle’s trip to Wolves on Sunday.

It feels likely that Schar will start against Wolves, and it will be a welcome return for a player who Eddie Howe admits that his side have missed during his absence.

Eddie Howe admits Newcastle have missed Fabian Schar’s passing ability

Ahead of Newcastle’s game against Wolves, Howe has spoken to the media. He was asked about how big a miss Schar has been, and used the question as an opportunity to heap praise on Emil Krafth, who has taken the Swiss defender’s place in the side.

“I think definitely with Fabian, his ball-playing ability is unquestioned,” he said.

“We have missed that aspect of his game.

“But I think Emil has done an outstanding job. I can’t compliment him enough, especially when you consider that it’s not his first position.”

Howe added: “Fabian is unique and we’ve missed his outstanding qualities.”

Emil Krafth deserves credit for his performances

It is really great to see Howe take the time to praise Krafth for his contributions in recent weeks.

The Sweden international has done really well at centre-back alongside Dan Burn, putting in a string of tremendous performances to preserve Newcastle’s unbeaten start to the season.

Krafth has performed admirably, despite naturally being a right-back. He has shown his versatility, and that is why he is such a valuable player to Eddie Howe.

Schar can change the way that Newcastle play

But while Krafth has done well, he does not have the same attributes as Schar.

The 32-year-old is an outstanding passer of the ball, and not having that ability has certainly hindered the way in which Newcastle have played. It has forced Howe’s side to sit a bit deeper, which was very evident during the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

But Schar’s return should free Newcastle to play higher up the pitch, and it should allow the Magpies’ midfielders to get on the ball in more influential areas.

During the summer, Newcastle tried to sign a right-sided centre-back, with the view to them being Schar’s long-term replacement. But the £3million man still has a lot to offer, and it is great to have him back and available for selection.

Schar is predicted to start against Wolves, and hopefully he lasts longer than he did against Southampton!