‘Very difficult’ - Newcastle United star makes honest injury admission after ‘frustrating’ 3-game blow
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Newcastle United latest news: Fabian Schar has spoken about his injury ‘frustrating’ issues this season.
Fabian Schar has spoken openly and honestly about the injury blow that not only sidelined him for three matches earlier this season - but also saw him lose his place as a regular starter.
Schar began the campaign in the same way he had spent most of the last few, as one of the first names on Eddie Howe’s teamsheet. However, he suffered a concussion during Newcastle United’s defeat to Barcelona in September and was then forced to miss their next three matches in all competitions.
Schar’s absence allowed Malick Thiaw to come into the starting side and it’s now the German, not his Swiss counterpart, that is a regular fixture in Howe’s side.
Fabian Schar admits injury ‘frustration’
Schar has featured eight times since being injured, but has started just once in the Premier League and once apiece in the Carabao Cup and Champions League. Speaking to Newcastle United’s matchday programme ahead of their clash with Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week, Schar spoke about his injury issues and how he has dealt with not being a regular starter over the last few weeks and months.
“Being on the bench has been quite difficult actually. It wasn't an easy situation.
“I think I did pretty well at the start of the season. Then I had the concussion, out for three games, and I hadn't done anything wrong or played bad - but it's very hard to get back in the team.
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“It's very difficult, it was a new situation which has never been the case in the last four years. A lot of things which were new and not easy.
“It's something I know will happen because I'm getting older, but I don't want it to happen! I still feel can bring a lot to the team. I just want to be on the pitch and do the same thing I've tried to do over the last seven years and leave my heart on the pitch.”
Schar added: “I think showed my frustration a little bit. Obviously the gaffer knew I wasn't happy but I tried to stay calm and just train well. I knew I'd get another chance - it was more from how everything happened.
“The concussion, being out for a few games, that was hard to accept how everything actually happened. I'm not stupid, we have a lot of quality in the squad, we’ve bought younger players in. But as long as I can, I know I'll be able to help the team and can still add something to the team.
“Then I played in the Carabao Cup [vs Tottenham] and scored, so l always tried to stay positive and contribute. When you're on the pitch you have to try and deliver and I think I've done that.
“Probably, yeah! Obviously in that situation and that game, l knew I had to show what I can do. Not just scoring, but winning and getting a clean sheet probably helped me. I still had to wait another one or two games, but then it was good to be back against Manchester City, play the game, and win.”