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Emil Krafth could return in time for the first leg of Newcastle United’s two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
Fabian Schar’s yellow card in Wednesday’s 3-1 quarter-final win over Brentford means he will be suspended when the first leg is played at the Emirates Stadium on the week commencing January 6. As per EFL rules, any player booked twice in the competition before the semi-final stage is handed a one-match competition ban.
The former Switzerland international’s first booking came during the 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in round three, a game in which he scored from the penalty spot. Bruno Guimaraes will also be missing following bookings versus Nottingham Forest and Brentford.
Emil Krafth of Newcastle United on the ball during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park on October 30, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Emil Krafth of Newcastle United on the ball during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park on October 30, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Emil Krafth of Newcastle United on the ball during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park on October 30, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images
“Bruno and Fabby are two massive players for us, very consistent performers so we're going to miss them massively but that's what the squad is for,” said head coach Eddie Howe.
“It goes without saying you want your best players available for the biggest games but we just have to accept it. There's nothing we can do about it and we have to get other players ready to perform.”
Eddie Howe’s side will be boosted by the return of Sven Botman in the New Year but without Schar they don’t have a right-footed centre-back option. Like Botman, club captain Jamaal Lascelles is still recovering from an ACL injury.
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Krafth brilliantly deputised for Schar during the early part of the campaign when the latter served a three-match suspension for his red card in the opening day victory at home to Southampton. United are unbeaten in the six matches Krafth has played, although he hasn’t been available for the last six weeks due to a broken collarbone sustained in training.
Asked if the Sweden international could return for the first leg clash, Howe said: “I think he could be. I think he is improving nicely but he’s still some weeks off. By the time that comes around he could be available.”
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