Fabian Schar return target revealed - Major Newcastle boost after Sven Botman blow?

Newcastle United have not had much luck with injuries this season, with key players dropping like flies at a crucial part of the season.

We've had some big players missing for large chunks of the season. Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Lewis Miley, Yoane Wissa and Bruno Guimaraes have all had extended periods on the sidelines with plenty of overlap too, giving Eddie Howe the odd headache when making his team selections.

Fabian Schar, who has been a regular starter since Eddie Howe took over at St James' Park, has been unavailable for over three months now after picking up an ankle injury in the 4-3 win over Leeds United.

This has led to Malick Thiaw playing over thirty games in a row without a break. The German acquitted himself admirably in that period, but he has made a few costly errors in some high-profile games.

Botman blow followed by Schar boost?

Thankfully, The Shields Gazette's Dominic Scurr has shared a positive update earlier today on the Swiss star's comeback.

Posted on X, the North East reporter reveals Fabian Schar is expected to be available after the international break and could be involved when Newcastle take on Crystal Palace on Sunday 12th April.

🤞Newcastle United are hoping to have Fabian Schar back available for the Crystal Palace match after the international break.

❌Defender out for three months with an ankle injury.

🤕Will be a welcome boost after Sven Botman ruled out for several weeks. pic.twitter.com/KXh9710K3r

— Dominic Scurr (@DomScurr) March 25, 2026

His return comes as the perfect time for Eddie Howe after Sven Botman had to undergo surgery on a facial fracture he picked up in the derby on Sunday.

While Botman is expected to return before the end of the season, he will still be forced to miss a few games as a result.

Can Fabian Schar play his way into a new contract?

Whether the seven games remaining are enough for Fabian Schar to convince Ross Wilson to hand him a contract extension remains to be seen, as the current consensus is that the ex-Swiss international will leave the club at the end of the season.

Eddie Howe has spoken about wanting to keep the 34-year-old along with 35-year-old Kieran Trippier, but Wilson's remit is to lower the squad's average age, and their exits will go a long way towards doing just that.

Both Trippier and Schar have been fantastic servants for the club, and we understand Howe's reluctance to let them go, but at the same time, you've got to draw a line somewhere.

We can't move forward if we're never letting go of the past. As much as we don't want to see either of them leave purely because of what they represent, in terms of building for the future, it makes sense to let go.