Injury crisis opens door once again for Schar

DEFENDER WILL BE GIVEN HUGE OPPORTUNITY TO PROVE HIMSELF

- By STUART JAMIESON

WITH Sven Botman already out, the last thing Eddie Howe wanted to see at the Stadium of Light on Sunday was Dan Burn being forced off with injury.

The Newcastle United defender tried to carry on after colliding with Sunderland’s Nordi Mukiele but was clearly in pain, and ended up in hospital on a day to forget for the Magpies.

Burn suffered a punctured lung and a broken rib in the clash with the Black Cats defender which will keep him out until the new year, while Botman is yet to return after missing several games with a back problem.

It leaves United thin on the ground when it comes to centre-back back options - but it could be a potential game-changer for one man in particular.

Fabian Schar has already spoken about his frustration at being unable to win a regular place back in the side following a concussion earlier this season.