Newcastle United’s defensive issues continue to mount at a difficult stage of the season, leaving Eddie Howe facing yet another challenge as the fixture list intensifies.
The Magpies are already stretched at the back due to a growing injury list. Dan Burn is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks after suffering a punctured lung and a broken rib. Sven Botman is still managing a persistent back issue, while Emil Krafth and Kieran Trippier are both unlikely to return until the new year. Tino Livramento also became a concern after limping off with a knee problem in the recent victory over Fulham.
Now, despite avoiding injury, Fabian Schär has emerged as the latest defensive absentee — this time due to suspension.
The Swiss centre-back will miss Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg tie against Manchester City after accumulating two yellow cards in the competition. Schär was booked during the 2–0 win over Tottenham in the last 16 and again in the quarter-final victory against Fulham, triggering an automatic suspension under tournament rules.
The semi-final, scheduled for the week beginning 12 January, is still several weeks away, but the timing could prove problematic. Burn is unlikely to be fit in time, while Botman’s return date remains uncertain, adding further pressure to Howe’s defensive planning.
Schär’s absence could be significant. He played a key role alongside Thiaw in last month’s 2–1 home win over Manchester City, a performance that successfully limited the threat of Erling Haaland. Replicating that defensive solidity without the experienced 33-year-old will not be easy, particularly if Newcastle are still dealing with multiple injuries.
With a packed schedule across domestic and European competitions, Newcastle can ill afford further setbacks. Squad depth and careful management will be crucial in the weeks ahead as Howe looks to navigate a demanding run of fixtures.
Newcastle United upcoming fixtures
December
- Saturday 20 December – Newcastle vs Chelsea (12:30pm, TNT Sports) – Premier League
- Friday 26 December – Manchester United vs Newcastle (8:00pm, Sky Sports) – Premier League
- Tuesday 30 December – Burnley vs Newcastle (7:30pm, Sky Sports) – Premier League
January 2026
- Sunday 4 January – Newcastle vs Crystal Palace (3:00pm, Sky Sports) – Premier League
- Wednesday 7 January – Newcastle vs Leeds (8:15pm, Sky Sports) – Premier League
- Saturday 10 January – Newcastle vs Bournemouth (3:00pm) – FA Cup
- Week commencing 12 January – Newcastle vs Manchester City (TBC) – Carabao Cup semi-final (first leg)
- Sunday 18 January – Wolves vs Newcastle (2:00pm, Sky Sports) – Premier League
- Wednesday 21 January – Newcastle vs PSV Eindhoven (8:00pm, TNT Sports) – Champions League
- Sunday 25 January – Newcastle vs Aston Villa (2:00pm, Sky Sports) – Premier League
- Wednesday 28 January – PSG vs Newcastle (8:00pm, TNT Sports) – Champions League
- Saturday 31 January – Liverpool vs Newcastle (8:00pm, TNT Sports) – Premier League