Five players ruled out of Sunday’s Cup Final vs. Manchester United
By Cade Cracas
Newcastle United has been smacked with a piece of adversity after manager Eddie Howe has officially confirmed five players that have been ruled out of the Carabao Cup Final against Manchester United.
In his press conference with the media on Tuesday, Howe discussed the team’s confidence heading into the contest, but with a loss of five players, Newcastle United might be in for a long 90 minutes.
1. Anthony Gordon- Cup Tied
Unfortunately for Newcastle United, Gordon will be unable to compete with the team after featuring in Everton’s 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
He was acquired in late January during the transfer window and has made an instant impact on the team. Not having him play may be a massive hit against the attacking group for the team.
2. Nick Pope- Suspension
Nick Pope made a grave mistake in Saturday’s contest against Liverpool, ultimately ruling him out of the Cup Final.
A free kick was taken on Liverpool’s side of the field, Newcastle was caught off-guard and Pope was in an odd position well outside of his box. With little time to think, he decided to dive toward the ball to head it away and instead of his head hitting the ball, his hands did.
Due to the fact, he was so far outside of his box, and it was an empty net behind him, he was instantly awarded a red card.
Not only is Pope out, but the next in line to start is too.
3. Martin Dubravka- Cup Tied
Once again, just like Anthony Gordon, Dubravka is cup tied. The 34-year-old played twice in the Carabao Cup during his loan spell at Manchester United.
This comes as a big hit as Newcastle United will be without Pope and Dubravka, thrusting Loris Karius into the starting role.
Karius is still a reliable keeper, but having either the consistency of Pope or the veteran leadership of Dubravka would have been more favorable.
4. Emil Krafth- Knee Injury
Krafth sustained an ACL injury early in August, ruling him out of the 2022-2023 season.
Coincidentally enough, it came in the Carabao Cup, but in the second round against the Tranmere Rovers.
Krafth has produced consistent play defensively, with his presence being missed this season.
5. Matty Longstaff- Knee Injury
Just like Krafth, Longstaff suffered an ACL injury while on loan at Colchester United. Unfortunately for the young midfielder, his contract expires this coming offseason and it does not look like Newcastle United will keep him along for the ride.
His knee injury will keep him out until the beginning of the 2023-2024 season, stagnating the young 22-year-old’s growth as a player.
Read. 3 transfer targets for Newcastle United in the 2023 offseason. light
While some of the players ruled out of the contest are known inactive’s, the ruling out of Anthony Gordon comes as a surprise to some.
Can Newcastle United pull off the victory with a new man in front of the net?
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