Newcastle United are back in Premier League action on Sunday with an away clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
Having lost their two previous league games against Chelsea and Everton, both away from home and with a 1-0 scoreline, the Toon will undoubtedly be hoping that they don’t make it a hat-trick of away defeats on the bounce against Antonio Conte’s side.
Heading into the showdown in north London, it seems as though the Magpies have been handed an injury boost which will surely be music to the ears of many Toon supporters.
What’s the news?
Speaking in his latest press conference ahead of Sunday’s match, Howe was discussing the current fitness situation regarding defender Fabian Schar, who left the Switzerland squad early with an abductor injury during the recent international break.
He said: “Fabian Schar came back having not trained or played but we’ve had a couple of sessions with him so we think he’ll be fit.”
Having played the full 90 minutes in all but one of Newcastle’s league games since late November, it’s safe to say that Howe sees the Swiss international as a pivotal figure in his squad.
Also, to highlight how important a figure he is at the back for the Toon, the 30-year-old has won 71.4% of his tackles, the third-highest of any Newcastle player to make more than one tackle, also recording far more interceptions (60) than any of his team-mates.
Even from an attacking point of view, Schar has shown how useful he can be by scoring one goal and providing two assists in the current campaign.
Taking all this into account, it’ll definitely have a lot of Toon supporters buzzing if the Swiss colossus is indeed fit enough to start at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and able to maintain fitness for the remainder of the season.
However, with Spurs striker Harry Kane scoring seven goals and providing three assists in his past eight league appearances, Schar will certainly have a tough test on his hands trying to contain the England captain for 90 minutes if the Newcastle defender starts tomorrow.
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