Fabian Schär
NEW
CB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Dec 20, 1991 (34)
Right
6'1"
185 lb
NewcastleStarts in Carabao Cup
Schar started and played the full 90 minutes in Tuesday's 1-0 Carabao Cup win over Millwall.
Analysis: Schar was back in competitive play for the Magpies once again, his first time playing in a competitive match since January, as he recorded the full 90 against Millwall. This is a bright sign for the defender as he looks to bid for time in league play again, adding some depth to the bench. He could still function as a useful rotational pick in the defense once fully fit, pushing for time behind Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Dan Burn (ankle).
Starts vs. Strasbourg
Schar starts in Sunday's friendly against Strasbourg, forming an experienced center back pairing alongside Dan Burn, who captains the side, the club announced.
Analysis: Schar had been working his way back from a groin injury this offseason, with manager Matthias Jaissle indicating earlier in the week that a return to team training and possibly friendly minutes were within reach. His inclusion in the starting lineup confirms his recovery has progressed on schedule, adding a veteran piece back to Newcastle's defense. Schar is expected to build up his match fitness ahead of the start of the season.
Hopeful for return soon
Schar (groin) is set to return to team training this week and possibly feature in a friendly over the weekend, according to manager Matthias Jaissle, per Sean McCormick of The Chronicle. "He is on the way back. Hopefully, in the next days, he will be included in the team training, and then we will need to see whether he is ready already for some minutes at the weekend."
Analysis: Schar has been working his back from a groin injury this offseason and is closing in on a full return, as team training could be in the picture this week. That would then lead to a return to friendly action over the weekend, although that will depend on his training. Either way, it seems they are more confident he will be fit for the start of the season, adding a veteran piece back to their defense.
Spotted working hard on rehab
Schar (groin) was spotted working hard on rehab Friday, the club posted.
Analysis: Schar had been forced off with a groin injury in the friendly loss to Bristol City, an issue that former coach Eddie Howe had already downplayed as not serious. His visible effort in rehab is a positive sign, and he still has some time to get ready before the Premier League opener against Liverpool on August 23. That said, if he can't be ready in time, Malick Thiaw will likely get a larger role in the back line for the Magpies.
Not seriously injured
Schar (groin) is not believed to be seriously injured after being forced off in Wednesday's 4-1 friendly loss to Bristol City, according to coach Eddie Howe, per Lee Ryder of Chronicle Live. "I don't think Fabby is concerned. I don't think he is worried. He is a really good judge of his body and he is an experienced player. He is feeling tightness in his groin but he will be back really soon."
Analysis: Schar was substituted in the 21st minute of Wednesday's friendly loss, continuing a pattern of fitness issues that limited him to just 19 appearances across the Premier League and Champions League last season due to ankle, foot and concussion problems. With no match scheduled between now and the Aug. 8 friendly against Valencia, Newcastle faces no immediate pressure to rush him back, and manager Eddie Howe's comments suggest he remains on track to be ready for the club's Premier League opener against Liverpool on Aug. 23.
Subs off injured
Schar was subbed off during the first half of Wednesday's friendly against Bristol City due to an undisclosed injury.
Analysis: Schar exited the game just 20 minutes into the first half, and further tests will be needed to determine the severity of the injury. Injuries aren't something new for Schar, though -- he was limited to just 19 appearances between the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League in the 2025/26 campaign due to ankle and foot injuries, as well as a concussion.
Starts in friendly
Schar (foot) is starting Saturday's friendly against Gateshead, according to the club.
Analysis: Schar had ended last season sidelined with a foot injury suffered in January that kept him out for the final few months, so his inclusion in the starting lineup marks a significant step forward in his recovery. He started 11 of his 16 appearances before the injury last season and recently signed a contract extension for the new campaign, though he could face a lesser role in 2026/27 given the competition for minutes at center back from Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Dan Burn.
Begins offseason training
Schar (foot) has started to train in the gym ahead of the 2026/27 season after ending the 2025/26 season injured, according to his club.
Analysis: Schar ended the last campaign with a foot injury, as he did not feature for the final few months after suffering the injury in January. However, he is now trending in the right direction, as the defender is training and should be set for a return come the start of the season. He started in 11 of his 16 appearances before the injury last season and received an extension for the 2026/27 season, although he could see a lesser role this campaign, with Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Dan Burn all bidding for minutes at center-back.
Extends contract with Newcastle
Schar (foot) has secured an extended contract with Newcastle until the end of the 2026/27 season, the club announced Tuesday.
Analysis: Schar has been sidelined for practically all of 2026 due to ankle and foot injuries, and there was uncertainty about whether he would remain on the team, but he's now signed to an additional year and should return in the upcoming campaign. The 34-year-old has been a consistent contributor when healthy, tallying 409 clearances, 115 interceptions, 110 tackles, nine goals and one assist over 102 appearances (93 starts) across all competitions for the club over the last three seasons.
Season over, focusing on WC
Schar (foot) will not return for Newcastle's remaining fixtures, with coach Eddie Howe confirming the Swiss international is unlikely to play again for the club this season. "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."
Analysis: Schar ends what is likely his final season at Newcastle with 15 tackles, 19 interceptions and 86 clearances across 19 appearances in all competitions, keeping four clean sheets before the foot infection derailed his return. The Swiss international will now focus entirely on being fit for the World Cup this summer, where he is expected to be an important figure for Switzerland in what could be one of the final chapters of a distinguished international career.
Still doubtful to return
Schar (foot) is looking more positive physically but remains a doubt to feature again before the end of the season, according to coach Eddie Howe, per Jordan Cronin of Iconic Media Group. "He's looking a lot more positive in his body at the moment. Whether or not he's going to be fit enough to take the pitch again between now and the end of the season, let's wait and see."
Analysis: Schar had been sidelined after undergoing minor surgery for a foot infection, and while the encouraging signs in his physical condition are a positive development, the limited time remaining in the campaign makes any return far from guaranteed. The Swiss international will be motivated to get back on the pitch with the World Cup this summer firmly in his sights, and Newcastle will hope to have him available at some point before the season concludes. Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Dan Burn have been sharing the central defensive duties during his extended absence.
Set to miss one more month
Schar was hospitalized for minor surgery after developing an infection in his foot and is expected to be sidelined for around one month, according to coach Eddie Howe. "Fabian suffered an infection in his foot so he is in hospital having a minor surgery on that so he will be out for about a month."
Analysis: Schar had already been working his way back from a previous ankle injury since early January, making this latest setback a cruel blow for both player and Newcastle. The Swiss international had been averaging 4.4 clearances per game before his initial absence and was expected to shore up a back line that has faced many recent injuries. His extended absence leaves coach Eddie Howe with limited options in central defense heading into the final stretch of the season. Malick Thiaw Sven Botman and Dan Burn are expected to share the spots in central defense for the Magpies until he returns to full speed.
Targeting return against Palace
Schar (ankle) is expected back for the trip to Crystal Palace after the international break, with manager Eddie Howe saying "Hopefully, we can get him fit. We've got a good period of training time with him, so the Palace game, I'm sure, will be a target for him, whether that's realistic or not. But let's wait and see," Sean McCormick of Chronicle Live reports.
Analysis: Schar has been sidelined since Jan. 7, but there's hope he'll give a boost to a back line that recently lost Sven Botman (head) for upcoming contests. The Swiss international will aim to complete his recovery in the next few days and eventually contend for a starting spot. Prior to the injury, he was averaging 4.4 clearances per game and contributed to four clean sheets over 11 league starts.
Trains on grass
Schar (ankle) was spotted training on grass this week and is aiming a return after the March international break, according to Craig Hope from the Daily Mail.
Analysis: Schar is entering the final stretch of his recovery from the ankle injury that required surgery in mid January after being spotted back on the grass this week. This is encouraging news for the Magpies since he had been a regular starter in the back line before the setback and his return will give coach Eddie Howe another option in defense. That said, Schar will still need a few more weeks of training and his comeback is expected to come after the March international break. Until then, Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman should continue handling larger roles in Newcastles defense.
Underwent successful surgery
Schar (ankle) had a successful surgery on Thursday and will likely be sidelined for the next three months, coach Eddie Howe confirmed in the press conference. "He had a successful surgery yesterday which is great news. Everything went according to plan. It's difficult to give a definitive but I think around three months out will be the diagnosis we'll work towards. If it's any quicker then great, but we need to give Fabian time to recover."
Analysis: Schar underwent successful ankle surgery on Thursday to treat his injury and will now begin a recovery period that should last at least three months. The center-back is expected to return around April, and his absence is a blow for the Magpies as he has been a regular starter this campaign amid several injuries in the backline. Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman are expected to take on greater roles for Newcastle United in the coming months.
Avoids broken ankle
Schar (ankle) did not break his ankle following his injury in Wednesday's match against Leeds, but is still expected to miss a lengthy period, Keith Downie of Sky Sports reports.
Analysis: Schar's exact recovery timeline remains unclear, though the initial tests have provided positive news after there was fear of a broken ankle as a worst-case scenario. The defender is unlikely to feature over the next few weeks while he undergoes further assessment. Meanwhile, Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman could feature at center-back, with Dan Burn (ribs) adding an option assuming he recovers sooner than Schar.
Taken to hospital
Schar (lower leg) was taken to a hospital after suffering a potentially serious injury during Wednesday's clash versus Leeds United, and manager Eddie Howe commented "It looks like a bad injury unfortunately. He's a huge player for us.", Keith Downie of Sky Sports reports.
Analysis: Schar is currently expected to miss several games following a violent collision on his leg during the last league match. Depending on his medical assessment, he could have a slight chance of returning in the 2025/26 campaign. Otherwise, he'll end the season with 18 shots (four on goal), 86 clearances, 19 interceptions and four clean sheets across 19 appearances in all competitions. His absence would leave Newcastle with Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman available as healthy center-back choices, with Dan Burn (ribs) still questionable.
Suffers injury against Leeds
Schar left the field due to an apparently serious leg injury in Wednesday's game versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Schar was stretchered off after an opposing player landed on his leg during the second half of the midweek contest. This could be a severe blow for the defender, who is now unlikely to see action in at least a few weeks. He previously racked up 17 shots (four on goal), 80 clearances, 17 interceptions and four clean sheets across 18 appearances in all competitions. Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman are center-back options for a side that could be without Schar and Dan Burn (ribs) in upcoming games.
Three shots in draw
Schar had three shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Chelsea. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 61st minute.
Analysis: Schar picked up his seventh start in 12 league games and tied his season high with three shots in the match. This was also just his second game with a shot on target. Additionally, this was the eighth league game where he tallied at least 30 completed passes. On the other hand, this was the first time in three outings that he failed to record a tackle.
Set for increased starts
Schar came off the bench after 42 minutes following Dan Burn's injury and had one shot (zero on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 defeat versus Sunderland.
Analysis: Schar came off the bench after 42 minutes following Dan Burn's injury, contributing three clearances and one interception. The defender has seen limited playing time recently, starting just one of the last four matches in all competitions, but is expected to start more regularly until Burn returns.
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