EDDIE HOWE has admitted Newcastle United are following an individually-tailored concussion protocol for Fabian Schar that reflects the fact that he has suffered from similar issues in the past.

Schar was not in the squad for Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat at Manchester City this afternoon because he failed a concussion test earlier in the week.

The Swiss defender suffered a facial injury when he suffered a first-half collision with Lisandro Martinez in the first half of last weekened’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United. He continued to saw out the rest of the game, but subsequent tests have given cause for concern.

Schar was involved in a serious concussion incident while playing for Switzerland in 2019, when he controversially played on despite being knocked unconscious, and Newcastle’s medical staff will be tailoring his return to action to reflect his previous history of concussions.

Howe said: “Fabian took a nasty knock to his eye. He had a nasty cut and bruise around that area. He did some tests with the doctor during the week, so quite early in the week, he wasn’t going to be available to play.

“I don’t think Fabian’s history is part of my thinking, but the doctor who has been with us a long period of time knows Fabian’s history. That’s all taken into account with the concussion protocol, that we will follow to the letter.”

Bruno Guimaraes suffered a knock in today’s defeat in the Etihad Stadium, but Howe expects the Brazilian to be available to face Wolves next weekend.

He said: “There were a couple of knocks, but I don’t know 100 per cent. I thought Bruno was maybe showing the effects of that knock he had on the ankle last week. But I don’t think there’s any long-term problem there.”