Eddie Howe shares insight on how Loris Karius has trained ahead of Carabao Cup final debut

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Loris Karius could be set to make his Newcastle United debut in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, and Eddie Howe believes he has improved since joining the Magpies.

Newcastle have their biggest game in years this weekend in the Carabao Cup final, and it looks like Howe is going to name Karius in his starting XI.

The 29-year-old has made just one friendly appearance since signing for the Magpies in September, but could now make his debut at Wembley.

That is because Nick Pope is suspended. He was sent off in Newcastle’s previous game against Liverpool for a handball outside the box.

It is devastating for Pope, but hands Karius a major opportunity. He hasn’t played a competitive game in almost two years, yet now has the chance to become a Toon legend in just one game.

While Newcastle fans are yet to see the German stopper in action, Howe has seen plenty of him in training and has been impressed.

Eddie Howe believes Loris Karius has improved since signing for Newcastle

Ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United, Howe has spoke about Karius’ performances in training.

“Since day once since he’s come here, he started where he hadn’t had a lot of work before joining us,” Howe said.

“He’s trained with our goalkeeper coaches in a really, really good way, and I think his general performances at training have improved as he’s spent more time with us.

“I think he’s in a good place and I think he’s ready to play.”

Everyone will be behind Karius for the Carabao Cup final

So many players have improved at Newcastle under Howe’s guidance, and it appears that Karius is no different.

While the former Liverpool goalkeeper hasn’t made a competitive appearance since joining the club, the Toon boss believes that he has certainly improved.

That is good news heading into the Carabao Cup final, as Newcastle look to end their trophy drought.

Toon fans inside Wembley and watching at home will give Karius a huge amount of support, and make him feel 10 feet tall as he steps out for his first competitive game since 2021.

While we would all prefer to have Pope playing, all we can do is get behind Karius. He is no mug in between the sticks, and now has an incredible chance to achieve redemption after his previous failure.

Newcastle fans will forget all about what he did in a Liverpool shirt in the Champions League final in 2018 if he helps us beat Man United and win the League Cup on Sunday.