Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow has picked up an ankle injury that may keep him out of action until after the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Chronicle Live understands. The Magpies' backup stopper picked up the problem in training, just days after the summer transfer window shut.
Newcastle have subsequently been forced to find emergency goalkeeper cover in the form of ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius. The German stopper was released on Merseyside earlier this year after falling down the pecking order under Jurgen Klopp.
Karius will sign a short-term deal on Tyneside with Eddie Howe having to name his 25-man Premier League squad before the close of play Thursday. Darlow's injury is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the year.
READ MORE: Newcastle United close to signing Loris Karius as emergency goalkeeper transfer needed
The 31-year-old featured in the Carabao Cup victory over Tranmere Rovers last month but has only made Newcastle's matchday squad in the Premier League three times this term. Nick Pope has occupied the No 1 position in every top flight game so far, with Darlow and Mark Gillespie his first-team backups.
Martin Dubravka was loaned to Manchester United on transfer deadline day and can't be recalled until January. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe last month admitted he wanted to keep four senior goalkeepers at the club but would not stand in the way of any shot-stopper asking to leave Tyneside.
Karius' arrival may split opinion on Tyneside after his fall from grace at Liverpool. The goalkeeper featured for the Reds in the 2018 Champions League final but suffered two infamous howlers as Real Madrid lifted the trophy.
Speaking earlier this summer, the 29-year-old stopper admitted he was on the hunt for a new team: "I took a week's holiday after the season. That was enough for me. Now the focus is on the restart. There's a new challenge coming up," he said.
"I'm ready for it and I'm getting fit now. That's my focus right now. I'm in top shape. I've been training at the highest level all year, with one of the best teams in the world. I've done a lot for myself physically. I've worked a lot on my personality and strengthened myself mentally, that's why I'm I'm excited about what's to come.
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