OPINION
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez will have no doubt been worried when he saw star defender Fabian Schar hit the deck like a sack of bricks after a clash of heads on international duty.
Thankfully for the Magpies’ boss, it is only the Swiss star and not him who has a headache to contend with.
The fact Schar was allowed to continue playing despite quite clearly being knocked out cold has come under much scrutiny and criticism and he will not be playing any part in his club’s clash against Arsenal on Monday night – although that is enforced due to a suspension for the amount of yellow cards picked up this season.
Speaking to Swiss publication Blick, as quoted by the Daily Mail after the controversial incident, the centre back worryingly admitted: “I cannot remember anything. I was knocked out for a few seconds. My skull is still buzzing. I also have neck pain and a bump on the forehead. But it was worth it.”
Worth it or not, it will come as a concern to hear he is suffering so much and the thought of putting him into the centre of defence, where he will be expected to use his head time and time again, any time soon will be playing on Benitez’s mind.
So what about a switch to the centre of the park?
Schar has already shown numerous times he has the ability to dictate play with his passing ability and vision and with a dynamism and mobility rarely seen in a centre back, he could make quite an impressive option for his manager.
Benitez would be loathed to see him sidelined because of his head injury but if neither the player nor his manager can be confident he is totally over the problems caused, he should not be put into a position where he is expected to be contesting for headers regularly.
A move to the midfield keeps him in the side and his head out of harm’s way for much of the game – it could be a masterstroke from the manager if he chooses to pull off this surprise switch.
