- Eddie Howe provides Newcastle United injury update
- Centre-back may have played last game for Magpies
- Fabian Schar set to be available on free transfer
Newcastle United star Fabian Schar is set to never play for the club again after Eddie Howe provided an update on the defender’s injury ahead of facing West Ham on Sunday afternoon.
The 34-year-old has racked up 251 appearances for the Magpies since arriving from Deportivo La Coruna in 2018 for just £3 million.
The Magpies activated a release clause in the Swiss international’s contract to bring him to St James’ Park. Schar has been a key player for eight years, overseeing the transition to Public Investment Fund ownership and helping Newcastle to Carabao Cup victory.
Eddie Howe provides Fabian Schar injury update
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The defender has managed just 21 appearances across all competitions this season. Schar has not featured since the 4-0 win over Leeds United in January due to a broken ankle.
It had been hoped that the player could return before the end of the season but an infection caused a setback in his rehabilitation. In an update on Friday morning, Howe said: “I don’t think Fabian will make the last two games which is a real shame for him.
“He was close to returning a few weeks ago and then he suffered the infection which set him back. He is back running again and looking healthy, but there is a big difference between that and actually playing.”
Newcastle United star set to leave club
That could deprive Schar of a proper St James’ Park send-off. The defender signed a one-year contract extension last summer and is currently set to leave the club at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
Newcastle could still enter talks to renew the player’s deal but it feels unlikely given his age and injury record. The Magpies are walking somewhat of a financial tightrope this summer and must be shrewd when balancing the books, leaving little space for an unnecessary extension.
Howe has admitted that Schar’s future is out of his hands. In quotes earlier this month, the manager said: “Every situation is different and it is difficult to give a definitive date on that.
“I will be in communication with Ross between now and the end of the season, and when we know, we know.
“His situation was slightly unique. He was very close to returning to full fitness, but then picked up that infection. He is building up his strength and resilience again.
“He is looking a lot more positive in his body at the moment, but whether or not we will see him on the pitch this season, we will wait and see.”
Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman will continue to feature at the heart of defence against West Ham and then at Fulham on the final day of the season. The Magpies are expected to recruit a new centre-back this summer with Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande frequently linked.
In other news, West Ham handed survival boost as Newcastle United ‘titan’ injured.
