Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has been dealt a blow in his recovery from a heel injury.
Dubravka initially picked up an injury while running in his native Slovakia, which was further aggravated while training for Newcastle. He was poised to return to action sometime in October, but recent reports suggest that he could be sidelined until December.
The Times note that the 31-year-old's recovery has not gone as planned, and that there was 'disappointment' when the protective boot on Dubravka's foot was removed.
The Slovakian joined Newcastle on loan in January 2018 and made an instant impression with the Toon Army, putting in a stellar performance on his debut against Manchester United. Six months later he signed on a permanent basis. He has since become a fan-favourite, winning Newcastle's Player of the Year in 2020 and making the most saves in the league last campaign.
Dubravka's heel injury has kept him out of action for the start of the 2020/21 season, with former Nottingham Forest stopper Karl Darlow deputising in his absence.
Darlow has begun the season strongly, keeping a clean sheet on the opening day against West Ham United and putting in a man of the match display as Steve Bruce's side somehow secured a point against Tottenham Hotspur. The 30-year-old currently has made the most saves in the Premier League, one clear of West Bromwich Albion's Sam Johnstone in second place.
Dubravka joins Scottish winger Matt Ritchie and English forward Dwight Gayle on the list of long-term absentees at Newcastle.
However, it hasn't all been bad news at St. James' Park. Elsewhere, Allan Saint-Maximin has signed a new contract at the Magpies, keeping him at the club until 2026.
The French winger came to the Premier League in August 2019, arriving from Nice for approximately £17m. He has since become a popular figure among the fans, scoring four goals last term.
Source: 90min
