Eddie Howe now gives Newcastle’s ‘outstanding’ player starting XI chance

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, talks to Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on December 02, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe faces the necessity of altering his regular starting XI due to Nick Pope’s injury. Following Pope’s shoulder injury in the 1-0 victory over Manchester United, the 31-year-old is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, possibly up to five months. While this is another unfortunate setback for the Magpies, it does open up an opportunity for one player.

Martin Dubravka took over from Pope during the latter stages of the Saturday match, contributing to Newcastle’s crucial three-point win. With Pope out, Dubravka is now set to be the first-choice goalkeeper. Despite rumors linking the Magpies to a January move for David De Gea, Howe seems inclined to give Dubravka a chance.

Newcastle United - Martin Dúbravka

According to reports from the Telegraph, Howe plans to assess Dubravka’s performance in the starting XI over the coming weeks, particularly given Newcastle’s busy schedule with two games per week until the year-end and the Tyne-Wear derby in the FA Cup in early January. The decision to stick with Dubravka makes sense, as it allows Howe to gauge his capabilities without disrupting squad harmony.

While the plans may change if Dubravka struggles, the hope is that the 34-year-old, who was once considered an outstanding goalkeeper for Newcastle before Pope’s arrival, can step up to the challenge. Despite some sour moments during his loan move to Manchester United, Dubravka remains a top-class goalkeeper capable of filling in for Pope, possibly for the rest of the season. Howe, who previously praised Dubravka as “outstanding,” now has the chance to see if his assessment holds true. The fans are rallying behind Dubravka, offering their full support for the upcoming challenges.

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