The official reason why Martin Dubravka misses Newcastle United's Premier League clash v Arsenal

Newcastle United were without Martin Dubravka for their Premier League clash away to Arsenal on Saturday night.

After No.1 goalkeeper Nick Pope underwent surgery on a dislocated shoulder in December, Dubravka had started 15 consecutive matches but that run came to an end for the visit to the Emirates Stadium.

It saw former Liverpool man Loris Karius make his first Premier League start since May 2018, and his first appearance in almost 12 months having last featured in the club's Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.

The German shotstopper's surprise call up followed after Dubravka was ruled out through illness. The Slovakian could return for next weekend's fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James' Park.

United boss Eddie Howe named three changes for the trip to North London with Tino Livramento and Alexander Isak returning for the starting XI.

Isak had missed the previous three games with a recurring groin issue, while fans had been calling for Livramento to replace Dan Burn at left-back over the last month or so.

Meanwhile, Newcastle were also boosted by the return of Joe Willock to the matchday squad. The former Arsenal midfielder last played in November because of an Achilles injury.