Newcastle United fans are fearing the worst after news Martin Dubravka could miss the start of the season through injury.
The Slovakian international goalkeeper will be out for "several weeks" according to his national team head coach Pavel Hapal and looks to be doubtful for the start of the season.
It means that United could start the campaign with Karl Darlow between the posts with new boy Mark Gillespie as back-up.
Dubravka has been omitted from the Nations League's squads to face Czech Republic and Israel next month and Hapal told journalists that the Magpies' goalkeeper has been struggling with an ankle injury.
"He has problems with his ankle, he dropped out for six to eight weeks," Hapal said.
"I believe that he will be fine for the next matches (Slovakia's next matches in October)."
It means Darlow is likely to be afforded an extended run in the side but Newcastle fans are fearing the worst after losing their most consistent performer across the last two seasons.
How NUFC fans reacted
The news followed Dwight Gayle suffering a hyper-extension in his knee during Tuesday's friendly win over Crewe Alexandra. The Magpies forward is awaiting scan results to understand the severity of his injury.
