Newcastle United fans expressed their disappointment and frustration following the announcement that four goalkeepers including Freddie Woodman were named in the club’s 25-man Premier League squad.
But with Martin Dubravka still working his way back from injury and Woodman now unavailable too, the decision dare we say, might actually have been the right one.
Woodman, who had started each of the Magpies’ first five games in the league and cup prior to the Leeds United matches, faces a period on the sidelines after picking up a hip injury in training.
The 24-year-old’s absence from the matchday squad against Marcelo Bielsa’s side meant that Mark Gillespie was on the bench.
Freddie Woodman gives injury update
The club hasn’t provided a timescale on how long Woodman is expected to be out for.
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But the stopper has posted on Instagram to give fans an update on his recovery.
With Darlow back and producing a good performance against Leeds, depending on the period of time that Woodman is out for, he could return to the side at a similar time to Dubravka, which would mean Bruce has all four of his selected goalkeepers available.
If the more experienced Darlow and Dubravka are fit and pushing each other for the number one spot, it could mean that Woodman is allowed to go out on loan like he did last season again.
It’s highly unlikely that Gillespie is going to build on the three Carabao Cup appearances he has made for the club so far.
But the club’s at the time bizarre decision to include four goalkeepers in the 25-man squad until at least the New Year looks to be vindicated.