Newcastle set for Fabian Schar discussions - Eddie Howe

Eddie Howe is a huge fan of Swiss defender Fabian Schar and has never been shy about admitting that.

One of the first things Howe did when he came in as Newcastle United boss was to pull in Fabian Schar from the cold after he had been pushed out of the first team picture by Steve Bruce.

When Schar is fit, he's almost guaranteed a place in Howe's starting lineup, but fitness has been a big issue for the 34-year-old this season and that's seen his place taken by new signing Malick Thiaw.

With just two games to go this season, Fabian Schar has been fighting to get back fit to play a part once again before his contract expires in the summer, but Eddie Howe confirmed on Friday that he's not going to make it.

Close but not Fabi Schar

Schar was on track to recover from his injury, but he picked up an infection, which set him back, and now, Howe told reporters on Friday (h/t The Chronicle) that he doesn't look likely to return this season, but dropped a big hint that it may not be the last we've seen of the centre-back in a Newcastle shirt.

"I don't think he will make the last two games which is a real shame for Fabian. He is back running again and looking fit and healthy but there is a big difference between that and actually playing. 

"I don't think it's necessarily about the farewell. He has a lot still to offer on the pitch. We will have discussions with him and his representatives in the next week."

Stand by for more Fabi

We know that if Eddie Howe and Fabian Schar had their way, there'd be no issue signing a new deal. Howe wants his most dependable defender to stay, and Schar has spoken about ending his career at Newcastle.

However, they need to convince sporting director Ross Wilson, who has a goal of reducing the average age of the squad, particularly the defence. Fortunately for Schar, though, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Matt Targett and John Ruddy are all due to depart at the end of the season, and Jamaal Lascelles left in January, so that's a fair drop in average age. Perhaps Schar can be spared.

We hope that Fabi is given a new contract. The stats don't lie, and Newcastle are a much stronger defensive unit with him in it. We're not saying that his absence is why we've been so shaky at the back this season, but it has to be seen as a factor.