Martin Dubravka is set for a spell on the sidelines.
The club have confirmed that the goalkeeper is out for ‘at least’ the rest of the month. He picked up a knee injury in the win over Southampton, but was able to carry on.
However, after being assessed by medical staff, Dubravka has now been ruled out.
(Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
That means that Karl Darlow will be Newcastle’s number one for the foreseeable future.
Darlow was the man who Dubravka replaced back in January 2018, arriving from Sparta Prague.
Since then, the former Nottingham Forest man has played second fiddle. However, he has played some minutes in the cups this season.
Darlow has played five times for the Magpies under Steve Bruce, including four of Newcastle’s five FA Cup games so far this season.
It’ll be five FA Cup games comes March 21st, with Newcastle set to face Manchester City in the quarter final.
(Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
He’ll have to get used to Premier League football as well, with Bruce’s men facing Sheffield United on Saturday.
Darlow hasn’t looked massively convincing in the cups this season, which has led to some fans calling for someone else to replace Dubravka.
A lot of fans have asked for Freddie Woodman to take his place, although he’s currently on loan at Swansea City.
(Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)
Despite appeals from fans, we can’t recall him and make him Newcastle’s number one as our 25-man Premier League squad is full. The date to make changes has passed, while he’s over 21 now so can’t get in as a youngster.
While Dubravka is out, Newcastle will have to go with Darlow. And the fans must get behind him, starting on Saturday at home to the Blades.
Fans want impossible Woodman recall over Darlow
Recall Freddie
— jak (@jaketimod) March 11, 2020
Can we bring back Freddie Woodman? 🤔
— chris (@CDJ_45) March 11, 2020
Get Woodman back from Swansea, Darlow looked awful in the cup this season so far
— Kev Cairns (@kevcairns) March 11, 2020
Recall woodman
— Miggy for PM (@LachlanHarriso6) March 11, 2020
Call back Freddie woodman, darlow is crap!
— peter brown (@peter_brown16) March 11, 2020
Yes , he made 2 or 3 good stops but very unorthodox. Always looks like he has a mistake in him 😬 recall Woodman and let him have the rest of the season. Been unreal for Swansea .
— Trevor Slater (@trevorslater) March 11, 2020
With @HecoDubravka out for most of the rest of the season, if there is an option I’d recall Freddie Woodman from Swansea and play him the rest of the season. Far better option than Darlow IMO.
— Jonny Hannaford (@TheOrigJonny) March 11, 2020