Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is reluctant to talk about Loris Karius after Nick Pope was sent off during their 2-0 loss to Liverpool as the Magpies have a final to play.
Nick Pope was given the marching order by Anthony Taylor after the Newcastle goalie rushed to clear a long ball chased by Mo. Salah and in the process handled in.
RED CARD FOR NICK POPE!
He will miss the Carabao Cup Final 😳 pic.twitter.com/Aqw6UeE1fC
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 18, 2023
The sent-off to the English goalkeeper means he will miss the EFL final against Manchester United on 26 February as the Magpies will now face the dilemma of whom to start.
Martin Dubravka deputized Pope after the red card and produced some crucial saves during the match against Liverpool but the Slovakian is cup-tied after representing Manchester United in that competition against Burnley.
After Karl Darlow was loaned to Hull City, Newcastle United was left short of options as Loris Karius is set to start for the Magpies in the most important final against Manchester United.
📌Dubravka has played for man utd in the same competition this season so he can’t play against us.
📌Initially they thought they were hurting us when they recalled him
📌Their third keeper, Darlow, is on loan to Hull City and their 4th is Lloris Karius who is currently injured pic.twitter.com/j2gWejRCSo
— Hosey👑༒*☬ (@Hosey256) February 19, 2023
“They’ve started games away from competitive action in several friendlies and training games. I’d say they’re match-ready,” Eddie Howe said at the post-match.
“I would have confidence in them, that’s what they’re in the squad for. They’ve both been very competitive and part of our group all season. I have full confidence. There have been games where Nick [Pope] has had very little to do, there have also been moments where he has stepped up and made world-class saves for us.”- Howe continued.
Loris Karius is famously known for the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final against Real Madrid where he made two costly errors that led to Los Blancos’s two goals and cost Liverpool the Champions League.
Loris Karius mistakes in Real Madrid v Liverpool UEFA Champions League 2018 Final 🤮😬. pic.twitter.com/0rQoLTNmxj
— Pliny The Younger 🇪🇬 🇮🇹 (@SweetMC313) March 11, 2022
However, Eddie Howe offered support to his backup goalkeeper and is optimistic about their chances but felt that they need to have a positive mindset going to the final.
“We need to make sure we go into next week with the mindset that we protect our goal, as we have done all season, regardless of who the goalkeeper is. That doesn’t change our focus on the defensive display.”- the Newcastle manager concluded.
