Pope's red card leaves Newcastle in dilemma for League Cup final

Newcastle United face a goalkeeping dilemma for next week's League Cup final against Manchester United scheduled for next Sunday at Wembley Stadium, as they bid for their first major trophy since 1955. A red card for first-choice keeper Nick Pope early on in the 2-0 home defeat by Liverpool means the England international will be suspended for the showpiece event. Newcastle's Key goalkeeper, Nick Pope, was sent off directly during Liverpool's encounter on Saturday in the English Premier League, and it was confirmed that he will be absent from facing Manchester United in the League Cup final. Martin Dubravka, who came on to replace him, is also unavailable because he is cup-tied after appearing earlier in the competition for Manchester United. Newcastle will not be able to rely on the second goalkeeper Dubravka, given his appearance with Manchester United in the previous clashes, when he was on loan during the first half of the current season. That means manager Eddie Howe is left with Loris Karius, who has never made an appearance for Newcastle, and journeyman keeper Mark Gillespie.