New injury concern for Newcastle - Jason Tindall issues update ahead of Ipswich

With five more games to go in this Premier League season, we’re going to need to be as fit, ready and confident as possible to avoid missing out on a potential Champions League place.

But fresh reports indicate that we may be without one of our key players for next week’s game against Ipswich.

With a lack of coverage in certain positions, it looks like Jason Tindall may be left with just one option…

Hamstring concern for Fabian Schar

It’s safe to say that Fabian Schar had an eventful Saturday evening at Villa Park.

After inadvertently deflecting the ball past Nick Pope for Villa’s opener, Schar himself found the back of the net to make it 1-1 with a cleverly worked header.

But now it looks like Schar may not have escaped the game entirely unscathed.

After the game, Jason Tindall said: “Fabby was feeling his hamstring in the game. We felt it was the wise move to bring him off and try to protect him."

"Hopefully, that should make sure he’s okay for the remaining games."

The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson has also reported on the matter, saying Schar was taken off late in the second half by Jason Tindall amidst concerns over the defender’s fitness, in particular over a potential hamstring injury.

He reported: “Matt Targett came on to replace him, and while Schar will be assessed by Newcastle’s medical staff in the next 24 hours, Tindall is hoping he will have sufficient time to recover ahead of Saturday’s home game with Ipswich Town.”

Who will play in Schar’s absence?

Should Schar be unfit for next weekend, this leaves just one healthy player who can deputise at right centre back alongside Dan Burn: Emil Krafth.

Of course there’s always the option of Sven Botman, it would perhaps be unwise to risk rushing the big Dutchman back for a physical game against a striker like Liam Delap like we did for Botman back in January against Dominic Solanke and Spurs.

Whilst Krafth is a fine backup option who is comfortable in the position, it’s a damning indictment on Newcastle’s current squad depth, particularly in defence.

We’re very fortunate in terms of timing, as we head to St James’ Park as the firm favourite to win against a side who may already be down by the time we play them.