Why is Nick Pope not playing in the Carabao Cup final against Man Utd?

NEWCASTLE participating in the biggest game of the club’s recent history TODAY – but they have a goalkeeping nightmare.

The Magpies’ number one keeper Nick Pope saw red for a moment of madness against Liverpool.

FOLLOW ALL THE CARABAO CUP FINAL ACTION

Reuters

Nick Pope got sent off against Liverpool[/caption]

And now fans fear that it could rule him out of their Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.

Can Nick Pope play in the Carabao Cup final?

Nick Pope will NOT play in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United on Sunday due to receiving a straight red against Liverpool.

The English keeper handled the ball outside of his box to deny Mohamed Salah a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

And in an unfortunate series of events, second in line, Martin Dubravka will also be unavailable for next Sunday’s huge final.

Why can’t Martin Dubravka play?

Martin Dubravka will be cup-tied having represented Manchester United in the Carabao Cup this season.

And Karl Darlow looks set to be unavailable because he is out on loan at Hull City.

Meaning that Newcastle have no option but to play forgotten man Loris Karius.

Karius, 29, has not played a competitive match since a 1-1 draw for Union Berlin during a loan spell from Anfield on February 28, 2021 – almost exactly two years before the final.