OPINION
Newcastle United have suffered a fresh blow after goalkeeper Karl Darlow sustained an elbow injury in training ahead of their Monday night clash with Burnley.
As reported by the Chronicle, the 28-year-old stopper was injured while training with the rest of the squad at Benton, with the severity of the problem not yet known.
Despite Darlow’s presence in the first-team squad for every game so far this season, this is not a particularly damaging blow for the Magpies, with Rob Elliot set to step in as number two.
However, depending on the extent of the injury, this is a development which could have long-term consequences for certain players at St. James’ Park.
As previously reported by the Chronicle, third-choice stopper Elliot and reserve goalkeeper Freddie Woodman are both seeking a loan exit in January, with neither having seen any first-team action this season.
Elliot is in danger of stagnating after spending several months as third-choice, while Woodman is keen to secure as much first-team experience as possible in an effort to reach his considerable potential.
Out of those two players you would think that Woodman is the most likely to be allowed to leave, with the 21-year-old voicing his frustration with his current situation on Tyneside.
Newcastle will be keen to keep their prized starlet happy, with Woodman sure to seek a permanent exit in the summer should he not get that temporary switch in January.
So, if Darlow’s injury turns out to be a medium or long-term issue, then £25,000-a-week ace Elliot [Spotrac] is likely to bear the brunt of the consequences.
The Republic of Ireland international is seriously unlikely to get that loan move away that he wants, and he will then have to sit on the bench for another few months before the summer window opens.
This is obviously not an ideal situation for the 32-year-old, but there is not much he will be able to do about it if things do head in that direction.
