Fabian Schar lifts lid on 'unfinished business' after Newcastle injury hell

The former Switzerland international picked up an ankle ligament injury in Newcastle's 4-3 win over Leeds United back in January which ultimately ended his involvement for the season.

The 34-year-old underwent surgery and had been expected to return before the end of the campaign before a foot infection ended his season prematurely.

Since then, the former Deportivo La Coruna defender signed a one year contract extension to keep him on Tyneside until the end of this season and he was among the Newcastle players to report back to the KNOX training centre for pre-season earlier this week.

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After such a brutal injury lay-off, Schar was delighted to be back with his team-mates and feels like he has some 'unfinished business' to attend to as he enters his ninth season as a Newcastle player.

"I was very pleased," Schar told Newcastle's official website when asked about renewing his contract at St James' Park.

"I don't have to say what the club means to me; it was always my first choice to stay here. I'm glad we found an agreement and it was good to get it done early.

"It's been a difficult time after my injury and what happened with my foot. I was glad I could really focus on coming back and knowing what's going to happen this year, being ready for day one.

"The last six months after my injury were the hardest of my career. I had to go through a lot and it was hard so I'm feeling a lot better now.

"There was unfinished business. I had a big setback with surgery which wasn't planned. I was close to coming back earlier and then had an infection which was tough. I felt gutted for it to end like that but I feel I am still able to add something to the team.

"I worked really hard and I'm ready to go. Hopefully, I can try to enjoy this next season.

"I'm going to need some time to adapt after being out for such a long period but I feel confident in my body and myself. I'm going to use this pre-season to come back as strongly as possible."