Fabian Schar will return to Newcastle United on Sunday after serving a three-game suspension.
Thirty minutes into Southampton’s season opener, the former Swiss international was sent off. Schar missed the draw with Bournemouth, the victories over Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur, and his three-game suspension after being dismissed for violent behavior.
Emil Krafth was chosen to cover for him at center back alongside Dan Burn while he was away, and the Swedish international did a fantastic job in a somewhat strange position. Eddie Howe was eager to give both Schar and Krafth high marks when discussing their return and the impact Krafth has made while he was away: “I think Emil has done an outstanding job, especially when you consider that it is not his first position. Fabian’s ball playing abilities are unquestioned so we have missed that aspect of his game.
He has been playing center-half for a long now. We began working with him towards the conclusion of the previous campaign since we knew he could play well in that position. He was outstanding that night in the Carabao Cup against Manchester United last year. Emil’s growth in this area is evident as his career progresses with us, but having a dual function is essential, much like Lloyd Kelly’s ability to play multiple roles. However, Fabian is special, and we have obviously overlooked his exceptional traits.
“We have seen him in training, but he has been nursing a problem.” said Howe. “He joined in the last few days, so hopefully he’ll be OK. He missed the training towards the end of last week and the early sessions this week.”