Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is currently trying to figure out how to replace Fabian Schar.
The 32-year-old defender suffered a hamstring injury during the 5-1 win over Sheffield United, and created concern when he was not seen in training this week.
Those concerns are now very real, with Eddie Howe confirming that Schar will not be involved against Burnley on Saturday. In fact, Newcastle United could be without Schar for the rest of the season – although that is something that Schar has disputed.
Regardless, it is a major blow to be without him for any length of time, with Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles also ruled out with ACL injuries. It means that Dan Burn will be getting a new partner for the rest of the campaign, and there are not too many candidates for the role.
Emil Krafth the favourite to replace Fabian Schar
The most likely player to replace Schar is Emil Krafth, and Eddie Howe has spoke to the media about the Swedish defender’s talents in the wake of this injury blow.
“We’re lighter than we would like to be [at centre-back] with Jamaal, Sven and now Fabby missing,” he said.
“But I think Emil Krafth came onto the pitch and played really, really well when Fabian came off last week. Emil has played well in that central position for us this year, going back to the Manchester United game in the Carabao Cup – I thought he was outstanding. It is something he has done before and I have no doubts over his qualities.”
Eddie Howe could turn to Newcastle United youth
While Krafth is the favourite to take Schar’s place in the Newcastle United starting XI, Howe also has the option of turning to one of his youngsters.
Alex Murphy made just his second Premier League appearance last week, coming off the bench to play at left-back in the final stages of the 5-1 win over Sheffield Untied.
The 19-year-old is also comfortable in the heart of defence, and Howe has suggested that Schar’s injury could open the door for the teenager to feature.
“Alex has been impressive in training,” he said.
“I have been really pleased with him. He’s been with us near enough all season, and I think he has grown and developed into a really good defender. Very comfortable on the ball. He had a little cameo last week at home which was really good for him.
“With Fabian’s injury, it maybe gives him a chance to come into the team, and the likes of Paul Dummett, so we still have some very good players waiting to play.
“I think he’s versatile, he can play in both positions. Anything on that left-hand side. But with Fabian’s injury, he would probably be the one to shift over to the right as well.”
This could be a great opportunity for Alex Murphy
The fact that Howe thinks Murphy can play as that right-sided centre-back is encouraging, given the fact that he is left-footed. It is actually a position he played in pre-season, starting there alongside Sven Botman in a 2-0 win over Fiorentina.
The Irish defender has even been compared to Botman, which is high praise considering how good the Dutchman was last season. Of course, this year has been more of a struggle due to his knee issues.
For Murphy, the injuries that Newcastle have suffered in defence could give him an opportunity. And it is one that he looks well-placed to take, having impressed during all of his cameos so far, as well as on the training pitch.
Howe appears to be very pleased with Murphy’s progress, and it is great to see a player so young prove themselves and make the step up.
We should see more and more of Murphy in the coming years, especially as he prepares to sign a new contract at St James’ Park.
But could a new deal coincide with a first ever Premier League start? He is closer than ever to that becoming a reality now that Schar has been ruled out.
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