Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar is not understood to be seriously injured after hobbling off during the 4-1 pre-season defeat at Bristol City. The former Switzerland international left the pitch on 21 minutes at Ashton Gate with groin tightness.
Howe Confident Schar Will Be Ready
Manager Eddie Howe expects Schar to be back in time for the Premier League opener against Liverpool next month, with no game between now and August 8 against Valencia. "I don't think Fabby is concerned. I don't think he is worried. He is a really good judge of his body and he is an experienced player," Howe said. "He is feeling tightness in his groin but he will be back really soon."
Pre-Season Results Dismissed
Despite some boos at half-time, Howe played down the importance of pre-season results. "Pre-season does what pre-season does. It is to get out all the rustiness from the summer," he said. "We need to get the players in a position that when they face Liverpool, they are ready. That is the only thing that matters. Pre-season results then pale into insignificance."
Disputed Goal in Defeat
Newcastle disputed the second goal, which came after Sven Botman was floored as Bristol City striker Lorent Tolaj scored. Howe said: "The scoreline is a tough one for us to take. They scored some bizarre goals. The own goal, the free-kick, the second one was a free-kick for us. Sven was running back to his own goal and was clearly fouled." He added that despite the goals conceded, he felt it was a strong performance and that the team had chances.
