Newcastle United defensive duo Fabian Schar and Florian Lejeune could return against Aston Villa after the international break, according to journalist Keith Downie.
The Sky Sports journalist revealed that although the Magpies’ captain Jamaal Lascelles is out until January, it might not be too big of a blow with two defenders set for their imminent return.
Downie shared on his personal Twitter account on Thursday that both Schar and Lejeune could feature at Villa Park, with the Frenchman having not made a single appearance this season.
Blow for Newcastle missing captain Jamaal Lascelles until the New Year; but offset by the returns of Fabian Schär & Florian Lejeune, who should both return for the trip to Aston Villa on Monday week #NUFC
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) November 14, 2019
Schar has been missing from Steve Bruce’s side ever since he picked up a problem in his knee in the 1-0 defeat against Chelsea in October.
OPINION
Although losing your captain is a massive blow to any side, Bruce will be happy to know that a couple of his most experienced defenders are set to return for their next outing against Villa. Lascelles has been influential in the heart of Newcastle’s back five this season, and his leadership could be missed, but both Schar and Lejeune are arguably better in possession of the ball. Newcastle’s defence has been one of their strongest points this season despite having numerous options interchanging at St James’ Park, and have scored the majority of their goals in this campaign. Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez will have cemented their spots in the side recently after coming into the team from the outside, and both Lejeune and Schar have that opportunity available to them now. Bruce will be hoping that they use this chance as motivation, starting at Villa Park, to prove that Lascelles won’t be a big miss moving forward.
