Fabian Schar injury could be costly for Newcastle but could give Bruce an attacking option

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Newcastle fans woke up to the news that the season’s star player, Fabian Schar, is likely to miss the Wolves game on Sunday with a knee injury.

If he is out, it could be a devastating blow for Steve Bruce, as the Swiss international has been the linchpin of the defence in the opening couple of months.

His ability to bring the ball out from the back, as opposed to just hoofing it away, means he brings something to the side no other centre-back does.

If he is unavailable, it will give Bruce a big dilemma ahead of the weekend, with him now having to either replace him with a likel for like player, or switch his formation.

Bruce should be bold and play four at the back

The likelihood is he will restore Paul Dummett to the starting lineup, but the problem with that would be the similarity between him and Ciaran Clark, particularly with them both preferring to play on the left side of a central defensive three.

The alternative for Bruce, would be abandoning the back five, and using it as the perfect opportunity to try the 4-4-2 formation again.

It would be a bold decision – particularly after what happened last time he tried against Leicester – but it would be one that could pay dividends, especially at home.

It would have given him the chance to start either Andy Carroll or Dwight Gayle, alongside Joelinton, and could bring the best out of the 23-year-old Brazilian.

But with news that Carroll is out of the game, it could be down to Gayle to save the day.

Knowing Bruce’s mindset of trying not to lose a game, he is almost sure to stick with his three centre-back formation, but if he wants to prioritise winning the game, we hope he goes for the more ambitious and adventurous two up top option.