MARTIN DUBRAVKA will firmly be in Newcastle’s corner for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester United – but he could receive a winners medal even if the Magpies lose.
All eyes will be on Wembley this weekend as Eddie Howe looks to guide Newcastle to their first major piece of silverware since 1955.
AFPMartin Dubravka is unavailable for Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final clash[/caption]
However, they go up against an in-form Manchester United side who will be desperate to end their seven-year trophy drought.
And Dubravka will be forced to cheer on the Magpies from the side-lines despite Nick Pope being ruled out for suspension.
But the Slovakian might want to rethink who he supports for the benefit of his medal collection.
Will Dubravka get a winner’s medal if Man Utd win the Carabao Cup?
Dubravka has featured twice for Manchester United in the competition during his pre-January loan spell.
This means that the Slovakian will only receive a medal if the Red Devils lift the Carabao Cup on Sunday.
And to further complicate things, Dubravka cannot represent the Magpies even after Nick Pope’s sending-off against Liverpool.
Why can’t Dubravka play?
Martin Dubravka helped steady the Newcastle ship after Nick Pope was sent off in the Liverpool loss.
But the Slovakian will be cup-tied having represented Manchester United in the Carabao Cup this season.
And Karl Darlow looks set to be unavailable because he is out on loan at Hull City.
Meaning that Newcastle have no option but to play forgotten man Loris Karius.
Karius, 29, has not played a competitive match since a 1-1 draw for Union Berlin during a loan spell from Anfield on February 28, 2021 – almost exactly two years before the final.