Karius has not played in the Champions League for five years (Picture: Getty)
Loris Karius could start in goal for Newcastle United in their Champions League showdown with AC Milan on Wednesday – his first appearance in the competition since his nightmare night for Liverpool five years ago.
Newcastle have been battling a major injury crisis with first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope facing a lengthy period on the sidelines. The England international was forced off late on against Manchester United earlier this month and is expected to be sidelined four months with a shoulder injury.
Martin Dubravka has come into the side to replace Pope but the Slovakia international has reportedly been struggling with a knock that has deteriorated in recent days.
Asked whether Dubravka will be available for the visit of the Serie A giants in their final group game on Wednesday, Eddie Howe replied: ‘That’s currently unclear.’
His absence could pave the way for Karius to come into the side in what would be his first European appearances for the Magpies. The German has not played yet this season but was drafted into the side last season for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United with Pope suspended that day.
He played for Besiktas in the Europa League during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons but could make his first Champions League appearance in over five years this week.
His last appearance in the competition was the final of the competition playing for Liverpool against Real Madrid, making two costly errors as the Reds fell to a 3-1 defeat.
Howe dealing with an injury crisis at St James’ Park (Picture: Getty)
Newcastle need a win against Milan to extend their stay in the competition but will also need other results to go in their favour. A win for Paris Saint-Germain at Borussia Dortmund would see the Premier League side drop into the Europa League.
‘I’ve really enjoyed the Champions League’ Howe said at a press conference on Tuesday. ‘My only frustration is that we have not had the freedom to attack the competition as we would have liked to have done (because of injuries).
‘That’s my only feeling that I’m left with that is negative.
‘The tournament itself is special, the places we have been are incredible, the stadiums, the atmospheres and the experiences we have had at home have all been memorable.
‘We have one more game to go and we have to make this as memorable as possible.
‘My message to the fans is to make this a magical European night. They can only do so much, we have to do our bit to make it that.’
MORE : Tired Newcastle can summon up the strength to reach the Champions League knockout stages
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Another injury concern…