After missing Newcastle United's defeat last weekend, Chris Waugh believes Fabian Schar will return from adhering to concussion protocol this weekend.
The Lowdown: Howe to be handed a big boost
There was certainly a sense of shock when the Newcastle teamsheet landed at 11.30am on Saturday morning to see captain Jamaal Lascelles handed just his second league start of the season.
Switzerland international Schar was clearly shaken up during Newcastle's Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester United, although the club's medical staff saw it fit for him to continue playing on the day.
However, Schar missed the game against Man City due to him being placed in concussion protocol, but he now looks set to be cleared for the hugely important game against Wolves this weekend.
The Latest: Schar to return against Wolves
After missing out at the Etihad Stadium, Waugh has insisted on Pod on the Tyne that Schar should be fine to start this weekend, ensuring Lascelles will have to keep waiting for his first home league start of the season.
He said: "Newcastle kept describing it as a very mild concussion, said he's following concussion protocols to the letter. The suggestion is that they think he'll be alright by next weekend, but he does have a history of concussion as well, he has had issues previously.
"I think it shows how far behind football really is, and temporary concussion substitutes certainly should come in. So I do think he could well be back next weekend, but it sounds like - or at least Newcastle are adamant they're taking all precautions and he will only be back if the doctors give him the OK to be."
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The Verdict: Health must come before football
While Howe will be desperate for Schar to be back starting on Sunday - as he and Sven Botman had formed a solid partnership over the course of this season - but if he isn't 100% ready, the Switzerland international cannot be risked.
Health is way more important than three points or anything football-related, while Lascelles stepped into his spot last weekend and defended admirably against Erling Haaland, earning a 7/10 player rating from Lee Ryder.
Prior to the game against Man City, Schar had started all bar the 2-1 defeat away to Liverpool - Lascelles replaced him that night - so he is clearly an important player, but not at the expense of his health.