Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has been discussing just how tough it’s been at the club in the last couple of months with what seems to be a never ending injury list.
Dubravka was called upon just a couple of weeks ago when Nick Pope sustained a shoulder injury against Manchester United, but there have been players missing all over the pitch for Newcastle this season.
In an interview with NUFCTV, Dubravka described how challenging it has been for players who are usually only on the bench to have to step up and be ready for the team in such a busy period.
Newcastle are having to cope with an unexpectedly long injury list
Nobody appreciates having to listen to a team and its supporters moan about how injuries are preventing them from reaching their full potential, but in Newcastle’s current situation that is certainly the case.
The amount of players unavailable this season has been unprecedented and you could actually make a very good Premier League starting 11 just from those who are out of the team at the minute.
Newcastle picked up more bad news against Chelsea as Anthony Gordon looked to have come off with a knock while Fabian Schar and Joelinton have been ruled out of this weekend’s trip to Luton.
Dubravka was a beneficiary to the injury to Pope, but he has revealed how tough it can be for these Newcastle players to quickly get themselves ready for an intense period of playing when they have been on the bench for so long.
In his interview Dubravka said: “It is not the best period of our season, obviously you have so many injured players.
“On the other side you have to have a string bench, a mentality player there because it’s not easy to step up when the team needs you.
“So many players were just siting on the bench, including me and all of a sudden you have to prepare and be ready for the matches.
“Obviously I’m not going to complain, I’m on the pitch. I wanted to be there, I had to be patient, and now is the time to show I deserve a chance.”
Newcastle need an extended break
Unfortunately for Newcastle football does not wait for those with long injury lists to recover and the games just keep on coming thick and fast, particularly during the busy Christmas period.
The Magpies will have to find a way to deal with a trip to Kenilworth Road on Saturday before yet another quick turnaround to face Nottingham Forest at home on Boxing Day.
It looks like Newcastle will be limited to the same team that faced Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, or perhaps even fewer if Gordon is out for a lengthy period, so Eddie Howe will yet again have to find a way around the fatigue that has been creeping into his team as of late.
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