For months now, Newcastle United have been dealing with limited options for making changes. Typically, Eddie Howe would have the flexibility to utilize his bench or rotate his starting lineup, but this hasn’t been the case in the current season. The team began with a deep squad, but injuries quickly took their toll, particularly in midfield. Currently, Howe has only three healthy midfield options: Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff, and Lewis Miley. Despite Miley’s commendable performance, the 17-year-old is being overburdened with playing time.

With Joelinton and Sandro Tonali sidelined for the remainder of the season and uncertainty surrounding the return of Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson, Newcastle made no senior signings during the January transfer window. This lack of reinforcements is pushing Howe to think outside the box. He’s acutely aware that the midfield is vulnerable to opposition play.

George Caulkin of The Athletic has highlighted two potential solutions that Howe is considering.

Eddie Howe contemplated deploying Fabian Schar in the midfield position.

On the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne, Caulkin discussed Howe’s contemplation of alternative tactics to address the club’s injury woes. He mentioned that Howe had been considering switching to a back five formation in recent weeks, as evidenced in the match against Villa. Additionally, Howe had been pondering the possibility of deploying Fabian Schar in midfield on several occasions. Caulkin expressed curiosity about what decisions Howe will make next, emphasizing that the current openness of the team’s play needs to be addressed.

Fabian Schar in midfield is a risk not worth taking

Switching to a back five proved effective against Aston Villa, with Tino Livramento slotting in on the left of defense and Dan Burn shifting inward, which curtailed Villa’s attacking threat and secured a 3-1 victory for Newcastle.

Another option discussed by Caulkin was deploying Fabian Schar in midfield, given his adeptness on the ball, a move some fans have advocated for amidst Newcastle’s midfield issues. However, it’s considered a significant gamble, particularly given past failures under Steve Bruce’s management when Schar was positioned higher up the pitch, resulting in defeats.

While Eddie Howe may have contemplated this tactic, it hasn’t progressed beyond mere consideration. Additionally, with Joe Willock potentially nearing a return, the need for Schar to fill in midfield may become unnecessary.