Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow has lifted the lid on the injury hell which has ruined his season to date.
The 28-year-old has endured a miserable campaign owing to a recurring elbow injury that has limited his involvement in first team football.
He now admits that his setback is the worst he has had in his career, but is glad to be back and available for action.
“I need to stay fit. Everything seems OK now so fingers crossed,” he told The Chronicle. “It’s the worst injury I’ve ever had and I’ve been out for two months.
“I tore the ligament in my elbow and while I was training for five weeks I just couldn’t get over the line. I’d make one save and it was still causing me problems. It was frustrating but it’s good to be back.”
OPINION
This has been a remarkably frustrating season for Darlow. He hasn’t played since August in a Carabao Cup clash with Nottingham Forest, and much of that has been down to injury. In recent weeks first choice ‘keeper Martin Dubravka has endured his worst form of the season, but Darlow hasn’t been in a position to capitalise. Now, though, if the Slovakian’s struggles continue then the former Forest man is a real candidate to come in and replace him. That’s all he can ask for, and it’s been a shame that his injury problems have prevented him from doing that so far. Darlow is a very solid back up goalkeeper and is good enough to present Dubravka with a real battle for the number one jersey. It will benefit Newcastle moving forward for Rafael Benitez to have his two best goalkeeper fit and fighting for starts. Hopefully Darlow’s return to fitness will refocus Dubravka, as well.