Eddie Howe has provided an injury update ahead of Newcastle United vs Ipswich Town.
The Newcastle United manager is back himself, after recovering from pneumonia. After missing the past three games, Eddie Howe returns to the Toon dugout.
That is a huge boost for the Magpies, who have five games left to secure Champions League qualification.
Newcastle are predicted to beat Ipswich Town, despite having a major fitness concern ahead of the clash at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe offers Fabian Schar ‘hope’ ahead of Ipswich Town
Fabian Schar was not spotted in training this week, after coming off with a hamstring issue against Aston Villa.
That has resulted in him being a doubt for the Ipswich Town clash, but Eddie Howe has told the media that he is hopeful that Schar will be available.
“Fabian, we hope will be okay,” he said.
How Newcastle United could replace Fabian Schar
While Howe is hopeful about Schar being involved against Ipswich Town, that has not been guaranteed.
There remains a possibility that the Magpies will be forced into a change.
If Schar is unavailable, the most likely candidate to replace him is Emil Krafth. The Swede has proven he is just as comfortable at centre-back as he is at right-back, and was asked to play there following Schar’s substitution at Villa Park.
Krafth is the only real contender to take Schar’s place.
If he was fully fit, Sven Botman would get the job. However, the Dutchman has not played since Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semi-final win over Arsenal.
Having undergone surgery, Botman is closing in on a return. However, Newcastle will not rush Botman, and it remains to be seen if he will be part of the squad to face Ipswich.
On Botman’s fitness, Howe said: “Sven has trained well this week, great to see him back with the group and on the grass. A really big step for him.”
Even if he is fit enough to be selected, there is absolutely no chance that he will be thrust into the starting XI.
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