Eddie Howe has already got the perfect answer to Fabian Schar’s Newcastle United suspension

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There were only two negatives from Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup victory over Brentford on Wednesday evening.

In what was easily one of Newcastle United’s most important games of the season, Eddie Howe’s squad stepped up to the plate and booked their spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals by beating Brentford 3-1.

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Sandro Tonali starred against Brentford with the Italian scoring twice from midfield before Fabian Schar added to Newcastle’s lead in the second half.

Unfortunately, Schar will be suspended for the semi-final first leg after picking up a yellow card against the Bees.

Bruno Guimaraes is also suspended for the first leg, which is set to be played in the week commencing 6 January.

Eddie Howe has perfect replacement for Fabian Schar

Losing Schar for the first leg is a huge blow for Newcastle, who will face one of Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham or Manchester United in the final four.

Schar put on an impressive display against Brentford and continued his remarkable goal record from centre-back by scoring from close range at St James’ Park.

Newcastle have struggled with injuries in defence over the last few seasons, but Schar has been the one constant. He has played every available minute in the Premier League this season, only missing out early on after his red card against Southampton.

Replacing him would usually be a very difficult task, but the timing of Schar’s suspension has worked out nicely for Eddie Howe.

Sven Botman returned to action this week when he featured for the Under-21s against Chelsea. The Dutch defender has been out since March with a cruciate ligament injury but is now in the final stages of his recovery.

Botman is targeting a first-team return after impressing with the academy side, and while December looks slightly too early for the 24-year-old, early January looks like an ideal return date.

With Schar out, Sven Botman could be called up to replace him in the starting XI for the first leg of Newcastle’s semi-final.

Emil Krafth could return for Newcastle semi-final

Last month, Emil Krafth suffered a broken collarbone in training which meant he was expected to miss around eight weeks of action.

Howe confirmed Krafth had an operation on his injury and was expected to be out until New Year.

READ MORE: The ‘important’ Newcastle United ace who didn’t play against Brentford despite Eddie Howe’s comments

The Carabao Cup semi-final could come slightly too early for Krafth, but there is a chance he could also strengthen Newcastle’s defensive options with Schar suspended.

Jamaal Lascelles is another Newcastle defender closing in on a return – but again it is too soon to say whether he will be fit as Lascelles is expected back in late January.