Pundit: Newcastle United are in ‘trouble’ after ‘another huge injury blow for Eddie Howe’
Martin Dubravka must be Newcastle United’s first-choice goalkeeper in the absence of Nick Pope.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Tottenham and Rangers defender Alan Hutton was not convinced by Loris Karius in the Magpies’ net considering his lack of game time.
As revealed by Football Insider (3 December), Pope could be sidelined for up to four months after dislocating his shoulder in the 1-0 win over Man United.
Eddie Howe’s side have been eyeing up short-term options in the wake of the injury- and as sources told Football Insider (4 December), they are readying a move for free agent David De Gea.
Newcastle have navigated their injury crisis well having won both Premier League fixtures since the international break and securing a point against PSG in the Champions League, which would have been three without a controversial penalty call in the closing stages.
Hutton is eager to see Pope back soon but was confident Dubravka would be an adequate replacement.
“I think Dubravka at this moment in time, but it’s troubling,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s played more football than Karius and with everything that’s gone on in the past, has that affected him?
“I’m sure it will be Dubravka until Pope is back fit and he’ll do well, but again it’s another huge injury blow for Eddie Howe.
“Pope is a focal point within the team and the dressing room as well, so to not have him there is a huge miss.
“Hopefully he gets back soon.”
In other news, Sources: Man United and Newcastle in pole position to sign Serhou Guirassy.