Fabian Schar is going to the World Cup with Switzerland, and could immediately return to Newcastle action after the tournament.
Clubs are in a very unique predicament with this World Cup. The fact it is happening in winter means that leagues all over have been put on hold, being forced to pause their season to break for the tournament in Qatar.
The break has come at the worst possible time for Newcastle, who have been flying in the Premier League.
But they are now without a competitive game until late December, when they face Bournemouth in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
That fixture is yet to be scheduled, but will take place in the week commencing December 19th. It will either be the 20th or 21st, but either way it is just days after the World Cup final is taking place.
It is mad to see such a small gap between the tournament and domestic football, and Newcastle’s Swiss sensation has had his say on the matter.
Schar on the post-World Cup schedule
The £3million defender has spoke to Swiss outlet 20 Minuten, and was asked how he feels about domestic football resuming so quickly after the World Cup.
“We even have a cup game on December 20th,” he said.
“It’s crazy, really. And very special for everyone.
“I’m assuming that the World Cup players will get a few more days of vacation – no matter when it’s over for them. You also need that time to wind down and mentally collect yourself for the rest of the season.
“The schedule demands a lot from us. But I love playing for Newcastle and I love representing Switzerland at a World Cup – I don’t really care about the tight schedule.”
The show must go on for Schar and Newcastle
Goodness knows what shape we will be in for the League Cup game against Bournemouth. Eddie Howe might not have various key players available – especially if it’s and England vs Brazil World Cup final…
Switzerland probably won’t go too deep into the competition, but it is still set to be an intense few weeks for Schar. And as he says, players need time to recover mentally from the pressures of a World Cup. It’s the biggest competition in football.
However, there’s not a lot the players can do. As Schar says, he doesn’t care about the schedule as he simply has to get on with it. If he’s fit enough, he’ll be available for selection when domestic football returns.
The 30-year-old is enjoying a brilliant season with Newcastle, and has been one of our top performers. He will hope to take that form into the World Cup with his country.
Then in a matter of days he will be expected to switch back to his club. It is ‘crazy’, but it is what it is unfortunately. And it will be up to Howe to manage his group the best he can and ensure his players are physically and mentally ready for the second half of the season.
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