Football's forgotten man Loris Karius will emerge from the shadows and back into the spotlight on February 26 when he lines up in the League Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley.
Karius, best remembered for high-profile blunders in Liverpool's 2018 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, is Newcastle United's fourth-choice goalkeeper but, due to Nick Pope's ill discipline and the Magpies' lack of foresight, finds himself back in contention on the big stage.
Why won't Nick Pope play?
England international Pope has been one of the standout goalkeepers in the Premier League this term and part of the meanest defence in the division.
However, a rush of blood to the head in Saturday's match against Liverpool resulted in Pope being shown a red card for handling the ball outside of his own area.
Pope, 30, is now suspended for three games, meaning he misses the League Cup final against Manchester United on February 26 and subsequent league games against Manchester City and Wolves.
What about the second-choice goalkeeper?
Substitute goalkeeper Martin Dubravka entered the fray following Pope's dismissal on 22 minutes and acquitted himself well, though he was powerless to stop Liverpool running out 2-0 winners at St James' Park.
The Slovakian, however, will not come into Newcastle manager Eddie Howe's thinking when he names his League Cup final starting XI as he is cup-tied, having, coincidentally, played for Manchester United in the competition during a loan spell earlier in the season.
Third-choice?
Another goalkeeper on Newcastle's books — Karl Darlow — is on loan at Hull City.
The conditions of Darlow's January agreement to join the Championship club do not include the chance to bring him back for emergency cover.
OK, so Karius it is then
German Karius, who joined the Magpies on a short-term contract – which has since been extended to the end of the season – in September is yet to make his debut for the club, but seems certain to do just that in the biggest game in the club’s recent history.
Asked about the 29-year-old’s readiness to do so, Newcastle head coach Howe said: “That was the reason for taking a player of his profile. He has experience of the big games, so I’ve got no doubt or issue over his ability to step in.”
Karius and Mark Gillespie are Howe’s two remaining options for Wembley with Martin Dubravka, who took over from Pope, having played in the competition already this season during his temporary switch to United while Karl Darlow is on loan at Hull.
Howe said: “Nick’s very disappointed, understandably, as we are for him. He’s been magnificent this season for us and he doesn’t deserve to miss the game, but it is what it is and we’ll see what our options are.
“We have Loris and Mark, who have trained really well this season and been part of the goalkeeping team all season. They’re both fit and ready to play.”
Karius has not made a competitive appearance since Union Berlin’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw with Hoffenheim in February 2021, and endured a personal nightmare in Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid in 2018.
However, asked about his mentality, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp said: “I have no doubt about that. He’s a great goalie, that’s why Newcastle signed him.”
Newcastle v Liverpool ratings
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NEWCASTLE UNITED RATINGS: Nick Pope - 4. Conceded two in less than 20 minutes. His night got worse when he was sent off for needlessly handling the ball outside the area and denying Salah a clear run at goal. AFP -
Kieran Trippier – 6. Was one of the few Newcastle players that had a good game. Created a number of dangerous situations with his crosses. Reuters -
Fabian Schar – 4. Made the surprising decision to step out of the backline instead of tracking Gakpo in the buildup to the Reds‘ opener. Should have at least hit the target when a Trippier corner found him in the second half. Getty Images -
Sven Botman – 5. Got caught out a number of times by Salah’s pace. Getty Images -
Dan Burn – 5. Hit the bar in the 41st minute from a Trippier cross. Did well to deny Salah what would have been a tap-in in the 74th minute. PA -
Sean Longstaff – 5. Had a tough day in the middle of the field. Struggled to track the runs of Bajcetic. Getty Images -
Joelington – 6. Had to focus more on his defensive duties due to the early red card to Pope. Became a bit more involved in attack after the break as the Magpies chased the game. PA -
Elliot Anderson – 5. Had a tough game until he was subbed off early for goalkeeper Kevin Dubravka. PA -
Miguel Almiron – 5. Almost scored early in the game after being set up by Saint-Maximin. Struggled to have an impact on the match after the Magpies were reduced to 10 men. AFP -
Alexander Isak – 6. His unorthodox style and unpredictability caused Liverpool defenders all sort of problems. Had a couple of half chances which he snatched at. Reuters -
Allan Saint-Maximin – 7. Arguably Newcastle’s best player. His quick feet got him out of tight spaces on several occasions and only an excellent save from Allison denied him a goal in the first half. Getty Images -
SUBS: Martin Dubravka (Elliot, 24') – 7. Came on with the Magpies already two goals down. Made several saves to keep the scoreline respectable. Action Images -
Jacob Murphy (Kieran Trippeir, 64’) – 6. Came on and did well. Despite being played in an unfamiliar right-back role, the Magpies looked more dangerous in the second half. Action Images -
Antony Gordon (Miguel Almiron, 64’) – 5. Struggled after coming on. Could have had an assist if only Wilson had been more efficient in front of goal. Action Images -
Callum Wilson (Isak, 64) – 5/ Missed Newcastle’s best chances when he failed to beat Allison from close range. Action Images -
Matt Richie (Joelinton, 71’) - N/A Failed to make much of an impact after coming on. Reuters -
LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Alisson Becker – 8. Excellent work to tip Maximin’s shot onto the bar in the first half and also set up Salah for a quick counter which led to Pope being sent off. Did well to deny Wilson in the second half. Getty -
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 9. Showed his excellent range of passing when he set up Nunez’s goal with a whipped pass from midfield. His crosses caused all sorts of problems for the Magpies backline. EPA -
Joe Gomez – 7. Looked more solid next to the imperial Van Dijk. Stuck to his job well and stayed close to Newcastle attackers. PA -
Virgil Van Dijk – 8. The return of Van Dijk from injury seems to have done Liverpool’s defence a world of good. The imposing centre-back hardly put a foot wrong all game and always chose the safe option whenever there seemed to be uncertainty. Reuters -
Andy Robertson – 7. Kept Almiron quiet and could have had an assist of his own. PA -
Jordan Henderson – 7. The Liverpool captain once again showed his composure and calmness on the ball. Sat deep next to Fabinho to help break up Newcastle’s attacks. Getty Images -
Fabinho – 7. A good day in the middle of pitch for the Brazil midfielder. Successfully broke up several attacks and helped start moves from the back. Getty Images -
Stefan Bajcetic - 7 The young midfielder continued his impressive form by helping the Reds win the midfield battle. Got into promising positions in the first half. PA -
Mohamed Salah – 8. Did well to set up Gakpo’s goal in the first half and played a huge part in Pope’s sending off. Only a last-ditch clearance denied him a goal in the second half. A tireless performance from the Egyptian. Getty Images -
Cody Gakpo – 8. Timed his run on to Salah’s lofted pass perfectly and slot past Pope in the Newcastle goal. Kept the home defenders busy. Getty Images -
Darwin Nunez – 8. Still had a lot to do after Alexander-Arnold played the ball to him for his goal. Showed composure to control the ball in the air and apply the finish. His pace gave Trippier problems on the right wing. AFP -
SUBS: Diogo Jota (Gakpo, 60’) – 7. Looked sharp despite just returning from injury. Should have got on the scoresheet when he headed Alexander-Arnold’s cross wide. Did well to set up Firmino in the 89th minute. Getty -
Harvey Elliot (Henderson, 60’) – 5. Failed to have much of an impact after coming on. Getty -
James Milner (Stefan Bajcetic, 60’) - 6 Brought on to use his experience to help the Reds see out the game. Kept it simple and went about his job quietly. Reuters -
Roberto Firmino (Nunez, 60’) - 5 Looked rusty after coming on and gave the ball away a few times to create dangerous situations. Should have at least connected with the ball after being set up by Jota. Getty Images
