Newcastle United man’s future in doubt as Martin Dubravka recalled from Manchester United

Newcastle United have recalled Martin Dubravka from his loan spell at Manchester United.

The Slovakian pushed for a move to Old Trafford in the summer after Nick Pope’s arrival from Burnley made him lose grip of the No.1 jersey.

Pope has started all-but one of the Magpies’ 20 matches in all competitions, whereas Dubravka has played just twice for the Red Devils in the Carabao Cup.

As part of the agreement to send Dubravka to Man United, Newcastle inserted a January recall clause, which has been activated on the first day of the month.

Martin Dubravka recalled from Manchester United

A club statement confirmed: “Martin Dubravka has been recalled from his season-long loan spell with Manchester United.

“The Slovakia international goalkeeper joined the Red Devils on a temporary basis in September and made two appearances under Erik ten Hag.

“Dubravka, who joined the Magpies from Czech side Sparta Prague, initially on loan, in January 2018 has made 130 competitive appearances during his time on Tyneside, recording 37 clean sheets in the English top-flight.

“He won the club’s 2019/20 Player of the Year award as well as the 2018 North East Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year, and recorded eight shut-outs last term.

“And he will now provide further competition for Nick Pope, who kept his ninth league clean sheet of the season - the most in the Premier League - in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Leeds.”

Doubts over Loris Karius’ future

Interestingly, the statement released by Newcastle states that the 33-year-old “will now provide further competition for Nick Pope”.

Dubravka’s return does indeed raise questions - and doubts - over Loris Karius’ future. The German is yet to agree a contract extension, meaning the short-term he signed in September is due to expire this month.

Head coach Eddie Howe had said he wanted Karius to remain on Tyneside but when asked for an update on Friday, he said: “No current update, no. Nothing’s changed.”

Karius included, Howe now has five senior goalkeepers on his books in Pope, Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie.

The former Liverpool goalkeeper’s only appearance for Newcastle came in the 5-0 friendly win against Al-Hilal. Since that game in Riyadh, he hasn’t featured in the matchday squad.