Pundit Paddy Kenny has expressed delight over Martin Dubravka’s return to training at Newcastle United, while speaking to Football Insider.
What’s the latest Newcastle United news?
Over the course of the summer, the 32-year-old suffered a foot injury after Euro 2020 and the ailment then became infected, further delaying his return. In his place, Freddie Woodman and Karl Darlow have taken his place in what has been an awful start to the campaign.
The club recently released images of the player back in training, however.
What has Kenny said about Dubravka?
Speaking to the publication, Kenny talked up what a boost Dubravka’s return will be for under-fire manager, Steve Bruce.
“It’ll be massive to have him back,” he said.
“I’m sure they’ve missed him. Sometimes you do look at a goalkeeper and people go off the saves but it’s the other bits he has to do.
“The communication, demanding the defence in front of him. It’s just little things like that he’ll bring back to that Newcastle team team because of his experience and his age.
“He’s had a good career. I’m sure it’ll be a massive lift for Bruce and the other players to get back him in the team.”
How big a boost is the latest injury news?
While it would be unfair to suggest either Woodman or Darlow have been the main reason for a miserable start to the season, the former struggled.
Against Manchester United, the 24-year-old was beaten by Cristiano Ronaldo (which, frankly, is no surprise) but the manner of his two goals in a 4-1 loss were undoubtedly disappointing. Indeed, according to FBREF data, Woodman has the worst post-shot expected goal rating (which measures how likely a ‘keeper is to save a shot based on the quality of the chance for the attacker) in the Premier League.
When Dubravka came back into the side last season, there was a distinct improvement, even if he himself is not without the odd mistake.
Once he, Jonjo Shelvey and Callum Wilson are back in the side, perhaps the situation will improve somewhat.
