Following Nick Pope’s injury, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will have to make a change to his starting lineup.
After hurting his shoulder in the 1-0 win over Manchester United, the 31-year-old will be out for an extended period of time. He could be out of commission for up to five months, according to reports.
It’s another setback for the Magpies, but it does provide an opportunity for one player.
Martin Dubravka came on in place of Pope in the closing moments on Saturday, assisting Newcastle to a crucial three points.
He is now the Magpies’ first choice, but there have been rumors that the club may look to recruit a new goalkeeper in January. David De Gea has been mentioned, with the 33-year-old free agent after leaving Manchester United.
The opportunity to buy a goalkeeper as outstanding as De Gea must appeal to Eddie Howe, but he already has a strategy in place that excludes the former Manchester United stopper.
Martin Dubravka is going to get the chance to prove he is the man for Newcastle in Nick Pope’s absence
According to the Telegraph, Howe wants to give Dubravka a shot in the starting XI in the coming weeks to see how he performs.
Newcastle has a busy schedule, with the Magpies playing twice a week until the end of the season. Then, in early January, we have the FA Cup Tyne-Wear derby.
There are plenty of opportunities for Dubravka to demonstrate his worth as he attempts to recapture the position he lost to Pope at the start of last season.
Howe is wise not to commit to signing a new goalkeeper just yet. There is no point if Dubravka can accomplish the job.
Any new acquisition may shatter the squad’s harmony – it’s tough to imagine Dubravka being happy about being demoted to second choice again, for example.
The Telegraph adds that plans could change if Slovakia falters, which is hoped not to happen. It shouldn’t be, given that he was a top-tier goalkeeper for Newcastle before Pope arrived.
Some fans were disappointed by his loan move to Manchester United, but Dubravka is still a great goalkeeper who is more than capable of standing in for Pope – maybe for the remainder of the season.
It will be a tall order, but Howe believes in the 34-year-old. He earlier described Dubravka as “outstanding,” and now he has the opportunity to demonstrate that the manager was correct.
Martin, hurry up! You have our whole support!
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