Newcastle defender Fabian Schar suffered a major injury scare playing for Switzerland against Georgia tonight.
Schar was knocked out for four minutes after a clash of heads and looked to be unconscious, sparking fears that he was in serious trouble. There were fears he may have swallowed his tongue and players from both sides rushed to his aid.
But after lengthy treatment the centre-back recovered to set up goals for Steven Zuber and Denis Zakaria in the 2-0 win.
Schar had knocked heads with Georgia’s Jemal Tabidze midway through the first half, and lay unconscious on his back, or at least with his eyes closed. Players from both sides rushed to Schar’s aid, and play was stopped for about four minutes as he and Tabidze received medical treatment. Tabidze needed heavy bandages around his head. He played on, too.
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Whether he should have been allowed to play on after such a serious injury is up for debate but a doctor assessed him after the initial injury.
If Schar has been concussed he will have to sit out football for a period of six days under FIFA rules. But the fact he was able to continue may be good news for Switzerland, Newcastle and Rafa Benitez – who will not welcome any more defensive injuries after Jamaal Lascelles was forced to sit out the Bournemouth draw.
Schar is suspended for the Arsenal game for picking up 10 yellow cards.
Switzerland host Denmark on Tuesday in their next Euro 2020 qualifier as they look to book a route to the finals next year.
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