Newcastle United fear Martin Dubravka has suffered a broken metatarsal and will be out of action for at least a month, according to The Daily Mail.
These claims have also been followed by a picture of the goalkeeper laying down in a hospital bed after a potential operation – a photo which came with the caption “hope to be back soon!”
The Slovakian shot stopper missed the start of last season due to an ankle injury and it looks as though history will repeat itself, with the opening game against West Ham now set to come too soon.
It is unsure who Steve Bruce will choose to replace him, but Karl Darlow did his hopes no harm when asked to do a job for our cause at the same time last year.
Highly-rated Freddie Woodman was reportedly on the verge of a move to Bournemouth before Dubravka’s injury, with the club now vetoing the transfer for the time being.
The 24-year old U20 World Cup winner has been a revelation at Swansea for the last two seasons and his stock has risen massively, so it seems bizarre that Bruce was so quick to hurry him out of St James’ Park without having a thorough look at him in preseason.
Local lad Mark Gillespie is another option, but he appears to be fourth in the pecking order at present.
