Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is hopeful Martin Dubravka will be available for Tuesday evening's FA Cup fifth round clash away to Blackburn Rovers (kick-off 7:45pm).
The Slovakian had started 15 consecutive matches in Nick Pope's absence but that run came to an end at the weekend when illness ruled him out of the 4-1 defeat at Arsenal.
Howe was unable to confirm if Dubravka would return for the visit to Ewood Park when addressing the media on Monday but admitted he was hopeful.
He said: “We hope he’s improved. We hope he’ll be available for selection but at this moment in time we don’t know."
Loris Karius made only his second Newcastle appearance - the previous being the 2-0 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United last year - at the Emirates Stadium.
The former Liverpool man conceded four goals to Sven Botman, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior but Howe admits he was pleased with his performance.
"In a very difficult performance from the team I think Loz did OK," Howe told NewcastleWorld. "He made a couple of good saves, and controlled his box pretty well. I think he’ll be pleased considering he hasn’t played for a year. It was a good return."
While Howe decides between Dubravka - if fit - and Karius, the Magpies' head coach might also consider starting Joe Willock against Blackburn.
The midfielder had been sidelined since November with an Achilles injury but marked his return with a consolation goal against the Gunners on Saturday.
"It’s something I’ll have to discuss at length with the medical team and I think he’s very, very close to starting," said Howe,
"He’s done a lot of work although we’ve only seen the 30 minutes he played at Arsenal. He’s done a lot of work behind the scenes to get himself in this position so that’ll be a judgement call.”
Six Newcastle United players are set to miss the visit to Blackburn. Here's the injury list in full and when each player is expected to return.
1. Fabian Schar - hamstring
Schar felt tightness in his hamstring against Sheffield United, which forced him to withdraw at half-time. Possible return date: Burnley (A) 04/05. | Getty Images
2. Sven Botman - ACL
The Dutchman has been ruled out for six to nine months after undergoing surgery on his knee. Possible return date: December 2024. | Getty Images
3. Matt Targett - Achilles
Targett is sidelined for the rest of the season with an Achilles issue having only just returned from four months out. Possible return date: 2024-25 season. | Getty Images
4. Jamaal Lascelles - ACL
Lascelles sustained an ACL injury against West Ham and will be sidelined for six to nine months. Possible return date: December 2024. | AFP via Getty Images