Things are not looking so bright for Newcastle United at the moment.
A 2-0 defeat to Liverpool has dented their aspirations for a top four finish and, to make matters worse, Eddie Howe will be without his three first-choice goalkeepers for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United next weekend.
Nick Pope was sent off for handling the ball far outside his own area in an attempt to impede Mohamed Salah’s solo run towards goal.
Newcastle currently have five senior goalkeepers on their books, but for a variety of reasons only two will be available for the club’s first major final since 1999.
NIGHTMARE! Nick Pope is SENT OFF!
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 18, 2023
He will now MISS the Carabao Cup final… pic.twitter.com/kDaVTZSA6T
Newcastle’s second-choice keeper Martin Dubravka took to the field to replace Pope on Saturday but he is ineligible for the final having already played in the Carabao Cup while on loan at Manchester United earlier this season.
In a unique twist of events, Dubravka could end up with a winners’ medal if Manchester United emerge victorious after his two appearances in the competition.
Then there is Karl Darlow who is currently out on loan at Hull City without an emergency recall clause in his deal.
Another option is 30-year-old keeper and boyhood fan Mark Gillespie but he is yet to feature in the Premier League for the club and also made an error in his last appearance.
All these factors leave former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius the obvious choice for Newcastle in the final, five years on from his night of horror against Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League final.
Newcastle’s goalkeeper crisis
- Nick Pope: Suspended after red card vs Liverpool
- Martin Dubravka: Cup-tied after loan to Man Utd earlier this season
- Karl Darlow: On loan at at Hull City with no recall option
- Loris Karius: Yet to play since joining in September
- Mark Gillespie: 30-year-old journeyman with only three Newcastle appearances
The German was at fault for two of the three goals that Liverpool conceded on a night to forget and his last competitive outing was for Union Berlin against Hoffenheim in a 1-1 draw in early 2021.
Reflecting on the that final in Kiev after sealing his move to Newcastle, Karius admitted that he has moved on.
“I have said everything about this [the 2018 Champions League final]. For me it is tiring to keep talking about it, it’s football and things happen,” said Karius, in an interview with ESPN in December.
“In my case there were a lot of unfortunate things, but I don’t think about it anymore. Four years in football feels like eight or 12.”
Newcastle’s record goalscorer Alan Shearer believes Pope’s absence will be a “huge blow” for Newcastle.
More from Football
How Man Utd's new target man No 10 is getting the best out of his teammates18 February, 2023
Newcastle's top four charge has slowed but Howe confident 'subtle tweaks' can reignite season18 February, 2023
Duncan Ferguson: 'My trouble was always around booze but now I'm addicted to coaching'18 February, 2023“It’s a big blow, huge actually, for Nick Pope and Newcastle,” Shearer said on Match of the Day. “I do feel for him because that is the only error he has made… He’s probably been Newcastle’s best player this season.
“It will be tough without him because he’s been superb but we’ll still go there [Wembley] full of hope.”
Howe is confident that his limited options are more than capable of stepping up.
“He has experience of the big games, so I’ve got no doubt or issue over his ability to step in,” said Howe about Karius after the defeat against Liverpool.
“We have Loris and Mark, who have trained really well this season and been part of the goalkeeping team all season. They’re both fit and ready to play.”
Karius’ former manager, Jurgen Klopp, has also voiced his support ahead of the final.
“I have no doubt about that. He’s a great goalie, that’s why Newcastle signed him,” Klopp said.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/IHU9hyo
Post a Comment