Eddie Howe is expected to make changes to his Newcastle United starting XI against West Ham United on Saturday.
The Magpies will definitely make one change to the team that lost to Manchester City in the FA Cup before the international break, with Sven Botman absent due to injury. He suffered an ACL injury that game, and could now be out for up to nine months.
Eddie Howe will also be hoping to make another change in defence, with Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento missing the trip to the Etihad. You would like to think at least one of them will be fit to face the Hammers at St James’ Park this weekend.
But one man who is expected to be involved is Martin Dubravka, despite the £4million man having to leave the Slovakia camp earlier than anticipated.
Martin Dubravka should be fit to face West Ham on Saturday
According to the Chronicle, Newcastle United expect Martin Dubravka to be fit to face West Ham on Saturday afternoon.
This comes after the 35-year-old missed Slovakia’s game against Norway on Tuesday night. Marek Rodak took his place in goal, with Dubravka leaving the squad early due to personal reasons.
Dubravka was not involved at during the friendly against Norway, although he did endure a bit of a torrid night just days before.
He started the friendly against Austria, which ended in a 2-0 defeat for Slovakia. It was a disappointing night for Dubravka, who was embarrassed after six seconds. That is how long it took Christoph Baumgartner to open the scoring.
Newcastle must improve defensively to qualify for Europe
Newcastle fans will hope that Dubravka does not concede that early on Saturday, as the clash with West Ham is a must-win game.
The Magpies need to get three points to get their European bid back on track, and whether or not they qualify will largely hinge on if they can improve defensively. Newcastle have not been great at the back since Dubravka came into the team for Nick Pope, who is out of action with a shoulder injury.
Pope is due back next month, but not until nearer the end of April.
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