Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce gave a worrying update on the fitness of Karl Darlow following Saturday’s defeat at the hands of Manchester United at St James’ Park.
Despite being able to complete the game, the Toon boss confirmed Darlow would face a race to be fit in time for Wolves on Sunday after a collision with Marcus Rashford.
Bruce decided not to replace Darlow despite having Mark Gillespie on the bench said: “He’s (Darlow) taken a hell of a blow, we hope that he’s not too bad, but it’s one of those difficult ones to assess straight away.”
Darlow’s fitness comes as a particular concern following the confirmation of the prolonged injury suffered by Martin Dubravka. The Slovakian who has previously been considered the number one choice at St James’ having played all 38 league games last term, is likely to be out until December with a heel injury.
So far in Dubravka’s absence, Darlow has been in superb form for the Magpies, notching up 28 saves since the start of the season, a Premier League high.
The Newcastle man was also the first keeper to save a Bruno Fernandes spot-kick in 20 previous attempts in England on Saturday.
The 30-year-old who signed from Nottingham Forest in 2015 has played 70 times for the club keeping 26 clean sheets.
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Newcastle fans will be right to hope Darlow can recover in time given his recent form. The Englishman would have had a strong case for keeping his number one berth had Dubravka not picked up his fresh injury.
Despite current understudy Gillespie being an experienced operator with over 50 Scottish Premiership appearances, the Newcastle born stopper is yet to see Premier League action since arriving from Motherwell in July.
