Martin Dubravka confident Newcastle are in safe hands despite his injury lay-off
11-Mar-2020 17:41:12 | Four-Four-Two
Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka has backed Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot to hold the fort while he recovers from a knee injury.The 31-year-old has been ruled out until at least the end of March, meaning he is likely to miss several Premier League games and the FA Cup quarter-final clash with Manchester City, as well as Slovakias Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against the Republic of Ireland.However, he is confident his deputies at St James Park will not let the Magpies down as they prepare for Saturdays clash with Sheffield United.Dubravka, who was hurt during Saturdays 1-0 win at Southampton, his 79th consecutive Premier League appearance, told the clubs official website: I was trying to be ready for every game, even if I had small injuries before with my back or with whatever. The people who know me know I want to play every time, even if Im not 100 per cent.Obviously this is bigger than that, so I cant play this game, but Im quite confident that my team mates, whether its Karl or Rob, will definitely play very well. Now Im going to support them from the stands.They show it on the pitch Karl has shown it in the cup games so Im definitely confident and comfortable with whichever of the keepers will be in goal. Im going to support them because they provide fantastic support for me as well.It means a lot because even Karl came to me the next day and asked how it was. You dont have that connection always and Ive said many times Im very grateful for that.Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka was hurt in a challenge by Southamptons Danny Ings (Nigel French/PA)Obviously this is a chance for them now, but its good because we are still not safe and Im quite sure that they will show their ability and show their levels.Dubravka, who kept his ninth clean sheet of the season at St Marys, played on following a second-half challenge by Saints striker Danny Ings, but was seen boarding the team bus afterwards on crutches.Newcastle had hoped the damage was superficial, but revealed the full extent on Wednesday.A club statement said: Newcastle United can confirm that goalkeeper Martin Dubravka suffered a knee injury in Saturdays Premier League win at Southampton.#NUFC can confirm that goalkeeper Martin Dbravka suffered a knee injury in Saturday's Premier League win at Southampton. Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 11, 2020The Slovakia international was hurt just before the hour mark at St Marys but played on, keeping his ninth clean sheet of the season as Steve Bruces side gained three valuable points.He was then assessed on Monday and has now been ruled out for at least the rest of this month.The news came as a blow to Dubravka, who has become a fans favourite on Tyneside since making his debut in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in February 2018, but he is already looking to the future.Karl Darlow is set to deputise for the injured Martin Dubravka (Tim Goode/PA).He said: Obviously Im not happy, but thats part of football. Sometimes you get injured and you cant do much. Im trying to stay positive and calm, and trying to get ready as soon as possible, but hopefully I can be back soon.Darlow, who has made five appearances in cup competitions this season, is likely to get the nod in the Slovakians place having not made a league appearance in more than a year.Republic of Ireland international Elliots last senior game was in December 2017.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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