Newcastle United's Swiss star Fabian Schar did not make the Magpies' starting line-up against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday evening.

The team sheet showed that Sven Botman and Dan Burn were the preferred centre-back pairing for Eddie Howe against the men from the Black Country. Schar missed out due to an illness and did not even make the bench as defensive competition begins to beef up for Howe.

It gives Dutchman Botman and Blyth lad Burn the chance to try to forge a relationship in the centre of the defence. Schar had returned from suspension against Bromley in the FA Cup third round after getting his first taste of action of the year in the clash with the League Two side.

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Schar's fellow Toon centre-back Lloyd Kelly was also in the squad and took his place on the bench despite a bid from Fenerbahce for his services. Kelly has been unable to get past Burn in the pecking order. With Sven Botman now fit again his chances of Premier League action will be reduced further going into 2025.

The big positive for Newcastle fans was the return of former Real Sociedad ace Alexander Isak with the Sweden star shaking off a hamstring injury suffered at Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium. Isak is gunning for a club record eight goals in a row in Premier League games.

UNITED: Dubravka, Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Bruno, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.

Subs: Vlachodimos, Trippier, Krafth, Kelly, Willock, Miley, Longstaff, Osula, Almiron.