Three ways Newcastle United can replace Fabian Schar after injury news confirmed

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Newcastle United have a huge game against Ipswich Town on Saturday.

Indeed, Newcastle United are locked in a tight race to ensure qualification for next season’s Champions League and desperately need three points at St James’ Park.

While this has already been an historic campaign for the club, a tired Newcastle lost 4-1 at Aston Villa last time out.

They now sit fifth in the Premier League table, which is currently enough to secure a return to Europe’s elite club competition.

Still, Eddie Howe’s side are only two points ahead of Chelsea in sixth, as well as Villa in seventh.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
2	ArsenalArsenal	33	18	12	3	61	27	34	66
3	Man CityManchester City	34	18	7	9	66	43	23	61
4	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	33	18	6	9	53	39	14	60
5	NewcastleNewcastle	33	18	5	10	62	44	18	59
6	ChelseaChelsea	33	16	9	8	58	40	18	57
7	Aston VillaAston Villa	34	16	9	9	54	49	5	57

With that in mind, they cannot afford to slip-up at home against a team on the verge of relegation. The margins are too fine for that.

Certainly, their task hasn’t been made any easier by the fact Fabian Schar appears to have picked up a problem.

Jason Tindall confirmed Schar suffered a hamstring injury against Villa and while the severity of it is yet to have been confirmed, the prospect of playing without him is not exactly ideal.

Having said that, here’s a look at how Newcastle could potentially replace Schar against Ipswich.

• READ MORE: Look away Anthony Gordon as Premier League make announcement ahead of Newcastle United vs Ipswich

Emil Krafth comes in at centre-back

Jamaal Lascelles may not play again this season and Sven Botman’s return from surgery won’t be rushed, leaving options light.

As such, it could come on Emil Krafth to start in place of Schar. The Swede has been excellent when called upon during the Howe era but hasn’t started a Premier League game since September.

At this stage, this feels the most likely outcome if Schar cannot make the visit of the Tractor Boys.

Formation change

If Newcastle do not want to thrust Krafth into the starting lineup in a defensive two, a formation change may help.

Kieran Trippier could feasibly form a back three with Dan Burn and the Sweden international, with Tino Livramento and Matt Targett potential options at wing-back.

Clearly, that wouldn’t be ideal.

Villa game aside, Newcastle have been brilliant in a 4-3-3 of late and straying too far from that at such a crucial juncture in the season would be a major risk.  

Sven Botman fitness gamble

Botman has confirmed he’s close to returning from injury, albeit the exact date of his comeback is yet to have been established.

However, Tindall has suggested the Dutchman would be back “very soon”, having stepped up his recovery following a recent knee operation.

Rushing Botman back into action would obviously be a huge gamble considering the extent of his injury issues over the past year or so.

Desperate times, however, may call for desperate measures…