What an incredible shift – Maybe Newcastle United star is just in need of a lie down | OneFootball

Fabian Schar was subbed off at half-time on Saturday.

Not looking his normal self the longer the first half went on, as the Sheffield United strikers caused problems before the break  for the Switzerland international and the rest of the defence.

At one point during that tricky first half, it looked like Emil Krafth was going to replace Fabian Schar.

However, Schar carried on and was eventually replaced at the break, Eddie Howe asked about it after the game.

Eddie Howe talking about Fabian Schar after he was subbed at half-time during the 5-1 win over Sheffield United:

“Fabian Schar had a bit of tightness in his hamstring.

“We don’t think it is a big injury,

“There is not one moment where you think he has pulled his hamstring.

“However, it was enough to make him feel uncomfortable.

“He couldn’t fully sprint and so he had to come off.

“We were going to make the change [during the first half] but he said he was fine and wanted to carry on.

“At half-time it became clear he couldn’t, so that was when we eventually changed things.”

Maybe the Newcastle United star just needs a lie down…

Fabian Schar has put in an incredible shift this season, the only Newcastle player to start all 34 Premier League games so far.

Indeed, until yesterday, Fabian Schar had completed all but two of the 33 PL matches this season, subbed off in the first half (and replaced by Krafth) in the 3-0 home win over Fulham, plus after three minutes of added time in the 4-0 over Tottenham, to give Paul Dummett a chance on the pitch.

The next closest in terms of Premier League involvement this season are Bruno Guimaraes with 33 PL starts and 31 for Anthony Gordon.

In addition, Fabian Schar started all six Champions League matches this season AND all four FA Cup games.

He has been an absolute star this season and could maybe just do with a shift off.

Back in the starting eleven was Tino Livramento, with Eddie Howe having said after the Palace match (when Tino was an unused sub) that an ankle issue meant they were trying to manage the situation and ensure no unnecessary risks are taken:

“Tino will be better for today.

“We had a meeting on Friday and he said he felt fit to play.

“He said he felt good.

“I backed him and I thought he gave a really good performance for us.”

Callum Wilson with a second sub appearance inside a few days, this time scoring only six minutes after coming off the bench, Eddie Howe happy to see him back AND amongst the goals:

“I always say that when Callum comes back from injury, he always does the work.

“That is sometimes very difficult when you are having to do the same things again.

“He has got to come back at such a good physical level to score goals but again he has done the work.

“It was slightly easier this time because it was an upper limb injury, so he has done a lot of running.

“I had no doubt, he looked really great… and he looked great today when he came on.