Newcastle United struggled through an injury crisis last season and already this summer they have faced new setbacks.
The Tyneside club wrapped up their pre-season preparations with two games in one weekend at St James’ park.
Eddie Howe’s side head into the new season on a high note after beating Girona 4-0 on Friday and Brest 1-0 on Saturday.
However, Fabian Schar‘s injury against Brest put a dampener on Newcastle United‘s double victory. The 32-year-old received lengthy treatment on the pitch after a last-ditch tackle and ended up limping off to be replaced by youngster Ellis Stanton.
Emil Krafth and Dan Burn partnered each other in defence against Girona and new signing Lloyd Kelly started against Brest, but Howe is still short of options at the back and Schar’s injury could prove to be a major blow.
Newcastle United must get club-record deal done now
With no European football this season, Newcastle can put all of their focus on the Premier League as they look to return to the top four.
Their midfield and attack are certainly good enough to fire them to the top end of the table, but their backline is a concern – especially without Schar.
If Newcastle didn’t already have all hands to deck on a deal for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, they now have no option.
HITC revealed on Monday that Newcastle were in talks for the England international and confirmed that there is no release clause in Guehi’s contract.
Palace are demanding a £70million fee to part ways with the 24-year-old centre-back this summer – a figure that would mark a new club-record for Newcastle.
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It is a pricey deal that would take a huge bite into their summer budget, but it is a statement signing that will quell all concerns about Newcastle’s defence.
It is understood that Newcastle are currently £15million short of Palace’s asking price with Palace confident that a deal is not close.
£70million target ticks all boxes
Guehi suffered a knee problem towards the end of last season but other than that his injury record will please Howe.
He was a standout for England in the summer and will head into the new season full of confidence.
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Guehi has already acquired an abundance of Premier League experience and would add to Newcastle’s core of young, English talents.
Provided that Newcastle have tackled any ongoing financial restraints, they must get a deal for Guehi over the line – the quicker the better.
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