Graeme Jones reveals Martin Dubravka status - and his position on Newcastle United keeper conundrum

Newcastle United interim manager Graeme Jones has revealed Martin Dubravka is now back FIT.

However, the stand-in boss has stopped short of suggesting the Slovakian is ready to pull the gloves back on for United.

Goalkeeper Dubravka has been out all season having injured his ankle in the summer. It was an issue which required a corrective operation, and considerable rehabilitation after the wound became infected.

Dubravka has not played since turning out for Slovakia against Spain in June, during Euro 2020.

And Jones is not 100% sure his keeper is quite ready to be thrown in at the deep end in the Premier League.

The Graeme Jones quote Newcastle United fans will LOVE

‘He is fit and available’

“He is fit and available. He’s had a good 10 days, maybe 12 days of work but he hasn’t played any games yet,” said Jones.

“Martin Dubravka, for me, is a top keeper. But Lionel Messi is a top player but when you are not playing games, you have to get to that level. We are in that process.

“Again like all players, I have assessed him this week, I will assess him next week. There is an international period for him after that - and we will have to see where we are in the next two weeks.”

Who has played in Dubravka’s absence?

Freddie Woodman started the campaign in goal until an injury saw him miss out. Karl Darlow has since taken the gloves with Mark Gillespie on bench duty.

Dan Langley, United’s fifth choice between the sticks, is yet to be called upon.