Schär recounts terrifying Middle East ordeal as Barcelona head to Newcastle | OneFootball

Barcelona visit Newcastle on Tuesday for a Champions League last-16 first leg at St James's Park, months after a 1-2 win there courtesy of a Marcus Rashford brace.

According to The Sun, Fabian Schär, 34, was trapped in a bunker amid the conflict between Iran and the United States while in the Gulf continuing his rehabilitation from a serious ankle problem.

With club permission he had sought warmer conditions for a long recovery, but soon after arriving the fighting escalated and he had to take shelter underground.

He is back in England unharmed. In a post he said he had endured some of the most terrifying days of his life, witnessed events in the Middle East first-hand, and was relieved to return safely while hoping aid reaches affected areas.

Newcastle beat Manchester United 2-1 in the Premier League despite a virus affecting the squad and playing a man short for the whole second half. They face Manchester City in the FA Cup last 16 on Saturday at 21:00.

Barcelona arrive after the exertions of a Copa del Rey semi-final second leg at Camp Nou, where they fell just short, and a league trip to Athletic Club at San Mamés on Saturday at 21:00.

Schär will not feature on Tuesday because of his ankle, but he is set to be in the stands to back his team-mates at St James's Park.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo