Newcastle vs AC Milan: Eddie Howe must consider teenager debut amid Martin Dubravka & Nick Pope injury

A surprise face has been spotted in training ahead of Newcastle vs AC Milan, as Eddie Howe ponders the Nick Pope & Martin Dubravka injury.
Everton FC v Newcastle United - Premier League
Everton FC v Newcastle United - Premier League / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages
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Is Martin Dubravka injured? This is the question on Newcastle fans' minds, as training footage has emerged which doesn't show anything of the Slovakian goalkeeper. In fact, the footage featured the three goalkeepers below him in the pecking order ahead of the match, which is concerning for Eddie Howe.

It remains to be seen whether or not there's anything wrong with Martin Dubravka and whether he's picked up an injury or illness ahead of this important Champions League fixture. We can say for sure that he's not shown any signs of injury in matches, but then again, anything can happen in training as we know more than most.

Martin Dubravka isn't the ideal option between the sticks, but given the Nick Pope injury, he's the best Eddie Howe will get in this match. He's certainly experienced and although he's never played a Champions League match for Newcastle, he can certainly do a job on the big occasion.

Newcastle vs AC Milan: Eddie Howe must consider teenager debut amid Martin Dubravka & Nick Pope injury

In case you missed it, Geordie Boot Boys has commented on the fact that three goalkeepers were spotted in Newcastle training, but Martin Dubravka wasn't part of the squad. Instead, Loris Karius, Mark Gillespie and even the 17-year-old Adam Harrison.

This shows that Eddie Howe has been forced to consider a debut for the teenage goalkeeper amid the goalkeeping crisis at St James' Park. While it would be nonsensical to throw him into the deep end for his competitive debut in a game like this, we are aware that the Newcastle squad are dropping like flies, so don't rule it out.

In my opinion, if Dubravka is injured, then Karius should get the call-up. He doesn't have fond memories in this competition but I'm sure he's learned from his mistakes being the professional he is.

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