Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar was seemingly absent from Eddie Howe’s first-team training session today.
In the run-up to Saturday’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth, the Tyneside club shared footage of today’s training to YouTube, with one key figure appearing to be missing.
Despite showing various clips throughout the morning, Schar isn’t pictured taking part with the rest of the first-team squad.
The 31-year-old could be missing for a number of reasons, and it isn’t yet apparent as to which one it may be.
However, an injury could be a possible reason, which would be a huge blow for the Toon.
Schar not pictured in training today
Thus far this season, Schar has played in 20 out of 21 Premier League matches for the Magpies.
Having formed a formidable partnership with Sven Botman at the back, the defender has become one of Howe’s most important players.
As per statistical match ratings, the 31-year-old has been ranked as the Toon’s second-best player this term, having averaged an impressive 7.26 score.
The Switzerland international leads the side for interceptions made per match, for which he averages 1.6; and he also dominates the squad for clearances made, for which he averages 4.4 a game.
Schar has received huge plaudits this season, and deservedly so. Newcastle teammate Matt Targett lauded his abilities as technically ‘unbelievable’, also calling him a ‘special player’.
Therefore, if the reason the centre-back was absent was due to injury, this will be a massive blow for Howe. We will just have to wait and see.
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