Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville says the loss of Nick Pope is a blow to Newcastle United ahead of the Carabao Cup Final. The Magpies goalkeeper was shown a straight red for a deliberate handball in the Toon's defeat to Liverpool at the weekend.
With Martin Dubravka cup-tied and Karl Darlow out on loan with Championship side Hull City, it means either Loris Karius or Mark Gillespie will be handed the gloves for their Newcastle United debut. Despite neither goalkeeper having played for the first-team, Neville also pointed out that Manchester United have one of their biggest games of the season in midweek.
A Thursday night clash with Barcelona in the Europa League will have the Red Devils main focus this week, handing the Magpies a possible fitness boost.
READ MORE: Nick Pope suspended for Carabao Cup final after Liverpool red card leaving Newcastle in trouble
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, he said: "It must do mustn't it? Obviously having to bring a goalkeeper in, I think the toughest position on a football pitch is a goalkeeper.
"As much as I'm critical of them at times, I respect that position enormously. It's a tough position and the other position I feel is the toughest to play is actually up front on your own.
"Newcastle not having Pope is a blow to them but it's a cup final. Newcastle will be desperate to win, just as Man United will be. It has to be an advantage to Manchester United for Newcastle to lose such an important player.
"United play on Thursday night against Barcelona on what is a monumental second-leg of a brilliant game, the return leg from the Nou Camp, so that might equalise it a little bit as well, that Manchester United have other thoughts this week.
"Maybe there's a little bit there. It's going to be a really interesting game, I'm going to be there and I can't wait for it because I think it's an intriguing story that both these clubs are desperate for a trophy."
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