Newcastle's Schar Injury: Krafth Ready to Step Up

The Premier League season’s final stretch is a crucial time for clubs fighting for European spots, and Newcastle United have been dealt a significant blow with the news that defender Fabian Schar will miss the remaining games due to injury. However, manager Eddie Howe has a ready-made replacement in mind, with Swedish defender Emil Krafth set to step into the breach after signing a new one-year contract extension with the club.

Schar’s absence is a major setback for the Magpies, who have already lost fellow center-backs Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles to injuries. The Swiss international has been a mainstay in Howe’s backline, starting every Premier League game this season as Newcastle currently sit seventh in the table, well in contention for a European spot.

With their defensive options depleted, Howe has turned to the versatile Krafth, who has impressed when called upon this campaign. The 28-year-old missed the opening months of the season due to an ACL injury but has since made 17 appearances, including starting four of the last five Premier League matches.

Krafth’s performances have not gone unnoticed by the Newcastle hierarchy, who have rewarded him with a contract extension that will keep him at St. James’ Park until June 2025. Howe expressed his confidence in the Swede’s abilities, highlighting his outstanding display against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.

“Emil has played in the central position well for us this year, going back to the Manchester United game in the Carabao Cup where I thought he was outstanding,” said Howe. “It’s something he’s done before and I have no doubts about his qualities.”

While losing a player of Schar’s caliber is undoubtedly a setback, Krafth’s emergence as a reliable option provides Howe with a measure of relief as Newcastle navigate the final few games of the season. The Magpies’ European ambitions may hinge on how seamlessly Krafth can slot into the defense alongside the likes of Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier.

Newcastle’s remaining fixtures include a trip to Burnley this weekend, followed by home games against Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion, before a potentially decisive final-day clash against Chelsea. With Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also vying for the remaining European spots, Howe’s side cannot afford any slip-ups, and Krafth’s experience and versatility could prove invaluable.

As the season reaches its climax, Newcastle find themselves in an intriguing position, with European football tantalisingly within reach. While the loss of Schar is a blow, Howe’s faith in Krafth, coupled with the Swede’s new contract, suggests that the Magpies have a plan in place to navigate these challenging circumstances and maintain their push for continental qualification.