Loads of Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media, after The Times claimed Martin Dubravka will miss our next six games after damaging his medial knee ligaments.
The Slovakian shot-stopper sustained the issue during last weekend’s 1-0 win at Southampton, where he clashed with Saints striker Danny Ings just before the hour mark but played on following lengthy treatment.
Dubravka was forced to leave St. Mary’s on crutches and further assessments have shown the injury to be more severe than first feared, meaning he will miss our upcoming run of fixtures – including this month’s FA Cup Quarter Final clash with Manchester City.
The club have confirmed that Dubravka will sit out at least the rest of the month.
Head coach Steve Bruce has entrusted the 31-year-old with opening each of our Premier League fixtures to date this term, which has seen the 24-cap international extend his streak of successive top-flight outings to 79 having yet missed a second since his Toon debut in February 2018.
Who should Bruce call on to cover for Dubravka?
Darlow
Elliot
Bruce has awarded minutes to back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow in four of our five FA Cup ties played in 2020 and would be expected to lean on the 29-year-old in Dubravka’s absence, starting with Saturday’s league meeting with Sheffield United at St. James’ Park.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to the ‘massive blow’ of losing Dubravka for our next six games…
It’s a good job we’ve got the points we’ve got. He’s one of the main reasons we are where we are https://t.co/z65hQA1TT7
— Twiggy (@twiggyiera) March 11, 2020
Not good at all, speedy recovery MD. Bring back @the_dilsh ⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️
— Geordie1661 (@geordie1661) March 11, 2020
@SkyBetChamp hope you kept are seats warm #Nufc https://t.co/FFdJTYwfLm
— Jack (@JaackRT) March 11, 2020
Yes is going to be a massive blow for us. But christ why does now one have faith in Darlow. When he has stood in he has been decent. #NUFC
— Declan Ord (@NUFCOrddy_91) March 11, 2020
Suddenly I’m fine with postponing matches cause of coronavirus https://t.co/o56xLVo2IC
— Spen🌹 (@SpenNufc) March 11, 2020
Can we recall Woodman?
— Lucas B. (@lulucasbarboza) March 11, 2020
Announce relegation 😭 https://t.co/sk79Y7rG8n
— James Shaw (@BigShaw1) March 11, 2020
But I thought Bruce said it was nothing….
— Lee (@leerobson23) March 11, 2020
Hello old friend…😭 https://t.co/apXs5kXofh pic.twitter.com/WWcxfM5Rvs
— 🇫🇷Kian🇫🇷 (@RatedASM) March 11, 2020
Hello @SkyBetChamp, we’re coming back!
— Oli Ashman (@OliAshman) March 11, 2020
In other Newcastle United news, clubs around the world have been credited with interest in a 32-cap Toon ace.