AC Milan have many absences in their squad, but at least, it seems that they will be able to get their top player back into the starting lineup, we are talking about Rafael Leao. On the other hand, Newcastle's boss, Eddie Howe, will have to make some tough choices as he also has about 7 absences to deal with
The Magpies first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope has a shoulder injury, which has already caused him to miss the last two Premier League matches. The backup, Martin Dubravka, is uncertain, and if he doesn't make it, surprisingly, Loris Karius could play.
In recent years, the German goalkeeper has been more in the gossip magazines than in the sports ones. His last match was in February for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United. Before that day, he hadn't played for two years; he was with Union Berlin in Germany. To find his last proper season as a starter, you have to go back to 2019/20 when he played for Besiktas.
In his two years at Newcastle, he hasn't played yet. Against Milan could be his absolute debut.
Karius has no previous matches against Milan; the only time he played against an Italian team was in a two-legged tie against Di Francesco's Roma in the Champions League semifinal during his time with Liverpool: the 2017/18 season, where he conceded six goals in two matches. It's a special eve for him, eager to return to the field after a year.
Newcastle's Coach Howe is genuinely considering it. With Pope out and Dubravka under observation, if he doesn't make it, Milan might find the surprise between the posts: Karius.
