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Newcastle will be without goalkeeper Nick Pope when they face Manchester United in the EFL Cup final next Sunday.
Newcastle have been in fantastic form this season, supported by terrific performances from Bruno Guimares, Kieran Trippier, and goalkeeper, Nick Pope.
Eddie Howe’s men have surpassed expectations by reaching only their second ever League Cup final.
They will have to get past Manchester United to win it but arriving at such a prestigious stage is a huge achievement. However, Newcastle will have to compete without one of their most important players.
Nick Pope will miss League Cup final
Howe is in a tough spot as far as player availability with first choice keeper Nick Pope picking up a red card against Liverpool.
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Pope was sent off for handling the ball outside his area, having charged off his line in an attempt to gain possession and stop Mohamed Salah from gaining an advantage on goal.
Martin Dubravka who could have stepped in as second choice is cup-tied after appearing for Manchester United in the same competition earlier in the season.
Karius gets his opportunity
That leaves third choice goalkeeper, Loris Karius. The German stopper is set to step into the spotlight with Newcastle short on alternatives.
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Karius spent two years on loan with Besiktas and another with Union Berlin before his Liverpool contract expired in 2022. He joined Newcastle as a free agent and has effectively been second choice to Nick Pope since he arrived.
However with Dubravka now back at the club, Karius has dropped to third choice.
He will now be tasked with stopping the likes of Marcus Rashford and Newcastle supporters will have to count on him.
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