NIGHTMARE OVER
Darlow’s delight as he makes comeback
KARL Darlow has revealed his anguish following a recurring injury nightmare with Newcastle United this season.
The former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper made his comeback in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with CSKA Moscow on Saturday afternoon in a midseason friendly.
He admitted making a series of saves felt good after being back between the posts for the first time since August.
Darlow thought he had shrugged off an elbow injury earlier in the season - but the problem kept returning.
The man who kept goal for the majority of United’s promotion season in 2017 told the Chronicle: “I enjoyed being back out there – it was nice because it has been a while.
“I have had the problem with the elbow so I needed the run out.
“It was a nice way to end the training camp.
“It was nice to get into the swing of it again after six or seven months of no games. I enjoyed it.”
However, Darlow knows he has a tough challenge on his hands to dislodge Martin Dubravka from the position of first choice.
He added: “I need to stay fit. Eve-
rything seems OK now so fingers crossed.
“It is the worst injury I have ever had and I have been out for two months.
“I tore the ligament in my elbow and, while I was training for five weeks I just could not get over the line.
“I would make one save and it was still causing me problems.
“It was frustrating - but it is good to be back.
“It is not too bad. Hopefully I can carry on and push Martin and keep going as I can.
“The squad is getting bigger after adding a couple of players in the January window.
“That is what we need towards the end of the season because it is going to be tough.
“We have to make sure everybody comes out, performs their best and pushes the other lads on.”
Dubravka thanked Darlow for his support in the last few days after a late equaliser against Wolves resulted in an on-field spat with his skipper Jamaal Lascelles.
However, all of that has been ironed out over in Spain in the last week.
Darlow added: “Every goalkeeper experiences different emotions and he is a top goalkeeper. His all-round game has been brilliant.
“A mistake here and there happens. It is the life of a goalkeeper, we get on with it and everyone goes through it.”
Darlow made two excellent saves against CSKA and felt the performance was a good one from his teammates as they pushed a team which beat Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier in the season.
He reflected: “In the first half I thought we played well, for the first 20 minutes for sure.
“Then they came back strongly at the end of the first half but it was a good competitive game.
“Sometimes friendlies can peter out but this was competitive and a good run-out for the boys.
“The pitch was not great. There were dry parts and bits that were absolutely soaked and sodden so it was different.
“The main thing was finishing the week with a game and a bit of quality because CSKA Moscow are good opposition.”