A series of defensive injuries is likely to decide Fabian Schar’s immediate future at Newcastle United.
While Jamaal Lascelles might leave Newcastle United during the January transfer window, it seems as if he will be the only central defender allowed to depart.
Indeed, with Sven Botman and Dan Burn injured, Eddie Howe does not have many options in central defence as things stand.
Jamaal Lascelles could LEAVE Newcastle United in January! What are your favourite memories of his career at the club?
That PSG game has to be up there 😍
That is not a helpful development during a relentless run of fixtures, and it places a lot of burden on Schar and Malick Thiaw.
Thiaw has been excellent this season, and Schar shows little sign of slowing down, but relying on those two alone is still an awful lot to ask.
Given the extent of Newcastle’s injury problems, it seems as if Schar won’t be going anywhere.
Fabian Schar set to stay at Newcastle United
The Swiss defender, one of Newcastle’s longest-serving players, is out of contract at the end of the season.
While the veteran has previously suggested he’d be open to extending his contract at St James’ Park, Schar has been linked with a move away from Newcastle in January.
There has reportedly been interest in the player from German clubs but, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, there is no chance Schar will be allowed to leave.
He said on a video posted on YouTube: “That [the injuries] leaves you with Thiaw and Schar as centre backs. Schar is going to be hugely important now moving forward. So any chance of him leaving in January is now gone.”
Here’s our predicted XI to face Chelsea! What changes would you make? ⚫⚪
Options are limited 😂
What Fabian Schar offers Newcastle United, his teammates cannot compare
When fit, it would be easy to assume that Thiaw and Botman would be Newcastle’s first-choice central defensive partnership.
Still, Schar is still offering something that his teammates cannot do quite as well.
This season, the Swiss has averaged 1.3 interceptions per Premier League game. No one in the Newcastle United squad averages more than 1.
Burn and Thiaw are the closest with 1 per league game.
Furthermore, no one in the squad averages as many long balls (4.5) over the same period.
Schar is one of the best defenders in Newcastle history and still gives something to the team.
Keeping him can only be a positive thing.
Sign up to TalkingPoints for free to join the conversation about all things Newcastle United with Geordie Boot Boys!
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
