Eddie Howe explains Karl Darlow’s Newcastle United absence versus Atalanta & Athletic Bilbao

Eddie Howe has explained why Karl Darlow missed Newcastle United’s back-to-back friendlies against Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao.

The Magpies hosted both clubs within the space of 24 hours at St James’ Park with Howe fielding two separate starting XIs.

In the first game against Atalanta on Friday, the likes of Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett, Elliot Anderson, Miguel Almiron and Ryan Fraser featured, which was won via a Chris Wood penalty.

On Saturday versus Bilbao, Howe fielded a slightly stronger side with Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson among those named in the XI.

The latter two found the scoresheet as United held out for another victory ahead of next weekend’s Premier League opener with Nottingham Forest.

One player that wasn’t included in the squad for either game was Karl Darlow with Mark Gillespie used as back-up to Pope and Martin Dubravka.

Howe was asked about Darlow’s absence and explained: “No, he’s fine. Karl played the previous two games so it was just a rotation.”

Darlow played in friendlies against Gateshead, Burnley and Benfica despite facing an uncertain future.

Following the arrival of Pope from Burnley, Darlow has dropped to third choice goalkeeper and could be offloaded.

“I like all of them,” How said earlier this month.” I’ve got no complaints about the quality. I think we’ve got an outstanding group of goalkeepers.

“I think, whether we keep four goalkeepers at the end of pre-season, or the end of the transfer window, I don’t know at this moment in time. I think we’ll have to see what happens.”