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Fernandez should worry about Schar return

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Image for Fernandez should worry about Schar return

OPINION

Rewind back to a few months’ ago, and Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett was deservedly Rafa Benitez’ first choice for the left-back role.

The likes of Javier Manquillo could not get a look-in, and Antonio Barreca has barely seen any action since he joined on loan in January. However, Dummett’s recent position switch to centre-back will have one other player sweating buckets.

That player is Federico Fernandez. Once upon a time, after he arrived in the summer, the Argentine was receiving plaudits for his displays. Fast forward to now, and that could not be further from the truth.

Dummett excelled in the central defensive trio that also consisted of Florian Lejeune and Jamaal Lascelles on Monday night against Arsenal, and the fact that Fernandez was left on the bench must have been quite the blow for him personally – especially by a player whose natural position is a left-back.

Fabian Schar has now been confirmed by Rafa Benitez – as relayed by Shields Gazzette journalist Miles Starforth on Twitter – as being available for the Crystal Palace clash on Saturday, and that has no doubt put another spanner in the works for Fernandez. Now that he has returned, the likelihood of him starting again this season is very slim.

He is currently fifth choice centre back and the possibility of him usurping the likes of Lascelles and Lejeune is rather unlikely, especially the latter.

The 6ft 3in [Transfermarkt] ace needs the opportunity to impress Benitez, but that is not going to come any time soon after this latest injury update. He did not make a good case for himself against Bournemouth before the international break, a game where he struggled to cope with the onslaught of the Cherries’ attack.

It is a shame that the circumstances have turned out this way, but that is down to the fact that Newcastle are so blessed in the centre-back department. In order to start, you must be on the top of your game.

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