LORIS KARIUS has been enjoying a break in Milan alongside girlfriend Diletta Leotta ahead of Sunday’s League Cup final.
The forgotten German is set to be catapulted back into action on the big stage this weekend as Newcastle take on Manchester United at Wembley.
BackGridLoris Karius and Diletta Leotta have been hanging out in Milan[/caption]
BackGridKarius and Diletta clamber into a Lexus[/caption]
Karius, 29, has not featured in a match for an English club since his 2018 Champions League final nightmare for Liverpool.
But with Nick Pope suspended and Martin Dubravka cup-tied – only local lad Mark Gillespie stands in Toon deputy Karius’ way.
The ponytailed ace has been spotted grabbing a bite to eat in Milan over 1,000 miles away from Newcastle ahead of Sunday’s big match.
Karius donned a white hoodie, baggy blue jeans and white trainers for his casual lunch date.
While Diletta sported a black leather jacket with a pink top, while also wearing blue jeans and white trainers.
After their food, the pair clambered into a silver Lexus.
Karius and Diletta have been dating since last year.
The latter posted a gushing Valentine’s Day message to her man on Instagram last week.
BackGridDiletta grinned as she headed out with Karius[/caption]
Alongside a heart emoji, she uploaded a series of snaps of the loved-up pair together.
Karius has not featured for Eddie Howe’s side since signing last summer.
He has been named on their bench eight times without ever getting on.
Fellow back-up Karl Darlow was loaned to Hull in January, potentially propelling Karius up the pecking order.
But that was negated by their decision to recall Mark Dubravka, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Man United.
Follow Pope’s red card against Liverpool, which ruled him out of the final, Howe said: “Nick is really disappointed, as we are for him. He has been magnificent for us.
“He does not deserve to miss the game but it is what it is. Nick misjudged it and it hit his arm. I think it was harsh and the referee could have given a yellow card.
“We have Loris and Mark who have trained really well this season, Both are fit. Behind the scenes, they play every day. I have no doubt they are in condition to play the game.”