Martin Dubravka has not travelled with the Newcastle squad, with the Magpies set to face Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium this evening.
Steve Bruce’s side drew 0-0 with the U’s at St James’ Park in the initial meeting between the two sides, with the Magpies manager hugely critical of what he deemed to be “ridiculous” mistakes from his team against the League One side (BBC Sport).
Newcastle then drew 0-0 with Norwich City at the weekend, meaning the club go into this game against Oxford having failed to both score and concede in consecutive games.
Writer Liam Kennedy claims that the Magpies will be without Dubravka for the game this evening, with regular cup starter Karl Darlow on the flight down south, alongside fellow shot-stopper Rob Elliot.
Bruce has also brought teenage talents Tom Allan and Jack Young along for the journey, as the former Aston Villa manager looks to rest a number of key players ahead of facing Arsenal in their next Premier League fixture.
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Karl Darlow started in both of Newcastle’s games against Rochdale in the previous round of the FA Cup, while he was the shot-stopper chosen to face Oxford in the initial fourth round match-up.
As such, it stands to reason that he will continue to deputise for Dubravka in cup competitions, with the Slovakian earning a much deserved rest in the absence of the Premier League.
Described as arguably Newcastle’s best player this season (Chronicle Live), Dubravka has played in every one of Newcastle’s 25 Premier League games this season (Transfermarkt), saving the club points on many occasions, and it certainly wouldn’t hurt for him to be left out of the squad on this occasion.
