Newcastle United have suffered a fresh blow ahead of their Monday night clash against Burnley after goalkeeper Karl Darlow sustained an elbow injury, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper report that the 28-year-old stopper suffered the injury in training at the club’s Benton base, and is doubtful to be fit for the trip to Turf Moor.
The Chronicle claim that the extent of the injury is not yet clear, with the 6ft 3in ace [Transfermarkt] having been a part of every Magpies first-team squad so far this season.
OPINION
While any first-team injury is obviously a blow, this one will not be giving Benitez sleepless nights even if it turns out to be serious. Newcastle are well-stocked at goalkeeper, with first-choice Martin Dubravka backed up by Darlow, Rob Elliot and highly-rated youngster Freddie Woodman, meaning Benitez is not struggling for options between the sticks. Darlow’s injury will merely mean that Elliot gets in a Magpies match-day squad for the first time this season, while Woodman moves up to third-choice temporarily. One thing that this development may affect however is the January transfer window. Both Elliot and Woodman have been tipped to seal loan moves away from the club in January, but if Darlow is ruled out for an extended period of time then that will obviously not be allowed to happen. Only one would likely be allowed an exit in that case, and it would more than likely be youngster Woodman who leaves temporarily in search of first-team football.
