Sheffield United set to face goalkeeper without a PL appearance for two years

Martin Dubravka, the Newcastle goalkeeper, will miss Saturday’s match at St James’ Park as he recovers from the knee injury he sustained during last weekend’s win over Southampton.

Dubravka is also set to sit out Slovakia’s Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against the Republic of Ireland, with United’s John Egan, Enda Stevens, David McGoldrick and Callum Robinson among those likely to be called-up by Mick McCarthy.

Karl Darlow, previously of Nottingham Forest, is in line to deputise for Dubravka this weekend.

The 31-year-old’s absence represents a major headache for Newcastle manager Steve Bruce, who watched him make a series of crucial blocks during his side’s win at Bramall Lane earlier this term.

Dubravka, who twice denied Oli McBurnie before preventing a deflected Stevens shot from crossing the line, has made more saves than anyone else in the Premier League this term.

United are preparing for the game ranked seventh, while Newcastle are 13th.

Although they are unlikely to get sucked into a relegation battle, Bruce’s men are still five points shy of the 40 regarded as a guarantee of survival.

United, who could finish the match in fifth, reached that target following their draw with Brighton and Hove Albion last month.

Darlow has not featured in a Premier League fixture since February 2018, with all of his five appearances this term coming in cup competitions.