Loris Karius hasn’t played since 2021 but could start Carabao Cup final for Newcastle

On Feb 18, 2023

Liverpool flop Loris Karius is set to start his first game in two years in the Carabao Cup final for Newcastle.

Karius is in line to deputise for first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope, who was sent off in their 2-0 defeat to the Reds in this evening’s (February 18) Premier League clash. Back-up Martin Dubravka replaced Pope at St James’ Park following his sending off.

But he’ll be unavailable for the trip to face Manchester United at Wembley having played for the Red Devils in the Carabao Cup during his loan spell at Old Trafford earlier this season.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe is therefore left with little option but to start third-choice Karius, who joined the club last summer as a free agent on a short-term deal which was extended last month.

The 29-year-old had last played on loan at Bundesliga side Union Berlin before his Liverpool contract expired. And the showdown with United next Sunday (February 26) would be his first outing since a 1-1 draw with Hoffenheim on February 28, 2021.

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Karius was infamously at fault for two goals in the 2018 Champions League final
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

It will also be his first appearance for an English team since his infamous performance in the 2018 Champions League final against Real Madrid.

He was at fault for two of the goals Jurgen Klopp’s side conceded in the 3-1 defeat. For their first he threw the ball into the leg of Karim Benzema who scored, and for their third he fumbled Gareth Bale’s 40-yard shot.

The only alternative to Karius is former Motherwell keeper Mark Gillespie, who has made just three senior appearances for Newcastle since joining in 2020, as fellow shot stopper Karl Darlow is out on loan at Hull City.