Martin Dubravka is back in the Newcastle United starting lineup.
Nick Pope’s injury means that Eddie Howe has had to change his goalkeeper, with Martin Dubravka coming into the side for Newcastle’s 4-0 win over Leicester City.
The 35-year-old helped himself to a clean sheet. In truth, it was probably the easiest clean sheet he has ever won in his Newcastle United career.
It was a quiet afternoon for Dubravka, who was barely tested by a very poor Leicester City side.
But Dubravka will soon be tested, and Toon fans will be hopeful that he performs better than he did last season when he came in for Pope after the England international underwent shoulder surgery.
The Slovakian will be Newcastle United’s first choice for the duration of the festive period, at a time when his future on Tyneside is up in the air.
Eddie Howe pleased with Martin Dubravka
Amid speculation that he could leave St James’ Park, Eddie Howe has expressed his delight at Dubravka’s return to the starting XI.
The Newcastle United manger spoke to the media ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Brentford, which will likely see Dubravka retain his place in the side.
“Martin played really well,” he said.
“He didn’t have a lot to do with his hands, which is good for us as a defensive unit.
“I think he was very calm in possession and gave us a really good platform to build from at the back. He used the ball well.
“[He’s] vastly experienced and level-head. I think he can be very pleased with his return to the team.”
Dubravka could leave Newcastle United in 2025
While Dubravka is back in the Newcastle side, it is unclear how much longer he will be at St James’ Park.
His contract is due to expire in 2025, with Dubravka unlikely to be offered an extension.
He could leave the club as early as January, as Newcastle look to raise funds and reduce their wage bill to help with PSR.
It has even been claimed that Dubravka has agreed in principle to join Al-Shabab in January, with the Saudi Pro League side keen to sign a new goalkeeper.
While Dubravka is suddenly Newcastle’s starting goalkeeper, a Toon departure in January would not actually be a major loss. Pope is due back in the middle of January, while Eddie Howe also has Odysseas Vlachodimos in reserve.
The Greek stopper cost £20million from Nottingham Forest in the summer, but has only made one competitive appearance for the Magpies.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
