AFTER spending time in hospital, Newcaslte United goalkeeper Karl Darlow is expected to return to the training ground this week.

It's understood that while Darlow will be brought back into the fold at Darsley Park and is feeling well enough to go into the training ground, he won't return to full training until the medical staff are happy that the goalkeeper has made a full recovery from Covid. 

That may lead to some suggestions that Darlow, 30, may not be fit in time to start the Premier League season with their opening game against West Ham United beginning in two weeks time. 

When it comes to their goalkeepers, the Magpies have been left in a perilous position with Martin Dubravka serving a spell on the sidelines after having surgery on his foot. 

Freddie Woodman, who was expected to be sent out on loan this season at Championship side Bournemouth, and Mark Gillespie have both been sharing the load during pre-season friendlies. 

While it may take time for Darlow to make a full recovery, manager Steve Bruce has in the last week that conceded that he may have to choose all four of his keepers when naming his Premier League squad, just to safeguard them through this injury crisis. 

Speaking after last week's friendly draw with Rotherham United, Bruce said: "I understand and we all agree that with Freddie, it's best to keep playing him because he's played for two years" admitted Bruce. 

"He was close to going to Bournemouth on loan, this was before Dubravka had his problem and then before Karl Darlow has had his.

"Mine is I've got to protect the club. Maybe in a week, 10 days, we'll see how Martin is, see how Karl is.

"But I can't take the risk yet, that's for sure. No chance. I might have to register four goalkeepers."