Fabian Schar may have played final game for Newcastle as Eddie Howe issues fresh injury update

Fabian Schar could be about to miss out on the emotional Newcastle United send-off that he would have dreamed of following Eddie Howe’s latest injury update.

The 34-year-old is facing a hugely uncertain future at St James’ Park, with his current contract due to expire at the end of the season, and no deal in place to extend his stay at the moment.

The influential centre-back has battled several injuries so far this season, and is currently sidelined with an ankle problem that has kept him out of action since 7 January.

Schar has seemingly been seeing light at the end of the tunnel in terms of his recovery in recent weeks, but Howe has now confirmed that he is likely to miss the final two games of the season.

Newcastle’s injury list contains several of their key players at the moment, as they have missed many important players for large parts of the campaign.

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Howe has opted to use Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman as his centre-back pairing in recent weeks, but Schar would undoubtedly have been in the conversation to start if he had been fit.

The Swiss international has been a vital cog in the Magpies’ transformation as a club across his eight years on their books, as he has already amassed over 250 appearances in their colours.

However, the boss has now confirmed that he probably won’t add to that tally before the end of the season, as he revealed the current state of play with his fitness ahead of Sunday’s clash with West Ham.

“I don’t think Fabian will make the last two games, which is a real shame for him,” Howe said during his pre-match press conference.

“He was close to returning a few weeks ago and then he suffered the infection, which set him back. He is back running again and looking healthy, but there is a big difference between that and actually playing.”

Howe’s words clearly show a great deal of sympathy towards the veteran, especially considering the situation that he now faces in terms of his future with the club.

There has been little indication of a new deal being put on the table so far, meaning Schar looks increasingly likely to exit St James’ as a free agent this summer.

Eddie Howe on Fabian Schär progress:

"I don’t think Fabian will make the last two games which is a real shame for him. He was close to returning a few weeks ago and then he suffered the infection which set him back. He is back running again and looking healthy, but there is a… pic.twitter.com/ySOjM5ec0d

With that in mind, he may have already played his final game in a black and white shirt, as the chance to walk out one final time appears to have been taken away from him.

Football Insider revealed back in March that Howe is keen for Schar to get a new deal at Newcastle before the end of the season, as he still sees him as being a key part of his plans.

The boss feels that the veteran still has plenty to give at Premier League level, but it now looks increasingly likely that the club hierarchy do not see it the same way.

Schar looks set to depart St James’ on a free transfer this summer, and sources indicated that there are already a number of clubs across Europe that are prepared to offer him a deal.

The defender has been a fantastic servant for Newcastle over the course of his eight-year stay, but things now look like they are heading towards a disappointing conclusion.

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