Luckily for Newcastle United, their best player so far this season looks ready to play against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
Indeed, according to Craig Hope, Karl Darlow avoided serious injury when colliding with Manchester United star Marcus Rashford in the 4-1 loss at St. James’ Park on Saturday night in what is a major boost for manager Steve Bruce.
While the 30-year-old has largely been operating as a second choice since the arrival of Martin Dubravka in January 2018, Darlow’s form this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Twenty-five saves this season is the best in the league (though that probably says more about the defence in front of him) and his eleven against Tottenham kept the Magpies on course to earn a completely undeserved point.
According to FBRef, his save percentage rate is the second best in the league (0.758%) and Bruce has recently praised him for his form. Furthermore, with third-choice Mark Gillespie making a mistake against Newport County in the League Cup win, losing him while Dubravka is out would have been a major blow to a side relying on their ‘keeper to keep them in games.
Should Darlow be dropped for Dubravka when fit?
Yes
No
A trip to Molineux certainly won’t be easy but, with Darlow fit, getting a result is at least more achievable.