Karl Darlow is in the ‘latter stages of his recovery’ from injury according to Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.
The 32-year-old has only played for the Magpies once this season. That came in the 2-1 League Cup triumph over Tranmere Rovers back in August.
Darlow picked up an almighty whack in that game, but his injury actually came in training the following month.
The former Nottingham Forest man suffered an ankle injury during training, which threatened to derail the rest of his 2022. The Chronicle reported that he could be out until after the World Cup.
That led to Newcastle signing Loris Karius. The ex-Liverpool goalkeeper arrived on a free transfer, signing a short-term deal with the Magpies.
The German has since acted as Nick Pope’s deputy, appearing on the bench in our previous four Premier League games.
It seems unlikely that Karius will play for Newcastle in the top flight, and his position on the bench could soon be under threat from a returning Darlow.
Howe on Karl Darlow’s injury
Ahead of Wednesday night’s game against Everton, Howe has spoken to the media. He provided an update on Darlow’s fitness.
“It’s going well [Darlow’s recovery],” Howe said.
“He’s on the grass with the goalkeepers – not necessarily full training but he’s in, again, the latter stages of his recovery, so there’s positive signs for Karl.”
Howe will be keen to get Darlow back
Based on Howe’s comments, it doesn’t sound like a return for Darlow is too far away. Perhaps he will be available ahead of schedule just like Jonjo Shelvey was.
He underwent hamstring surgery during the summer, and it initially looked like he could miss the first half of the season. However, he returned to the bench for the 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.
Shelvey has been a big miss, while Darlow’s situation is very different.
He is Howe’s number two goalkeeper, playing backup to summer signing Nick Pope. The England international is playing very well for the Magpies, and recently recorded his 50th clean sheet in the Premier League.
It’s incredibly unlikely that Darlow will ever take Pope’s place in between the sticks. However, his absence was obviously significant enough for Newcastle to replace him with Karius. It was very nearly Ben Foster, but he turned down the move in favour of retirement.
With Darlow potentially nearing a return, it could lead to the possibility of Karius never playing for Newcastle. His best chance is in the League Cup, with Newcastle set to face Crystal Palace on November 9th.
If Darlow is available, he will be keen to feature like he did in the previous round. Alternatively, Howe could go strong and pick Pope, as the Magpies go in search of a cup run.
But first things first, Darlow will be looking to return to full training as soon as possible. And it sounds like that isn’t too far away.
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