Martin Dubravka requested to activate the clause in his loan deal with Manchester United in order to secure his return to St James' Park.
Dubravka was instantly named on the bench for the 0-0 draw at Arsenal and could even come into contention for the FA Cup clash at Sheffield Wednesday. Eddie Howe named Nick Pope in the last two League Cup ties ahead of Karl Darlow and must ponder whether it is the right time to give the England stopper a rest.
Speaking about Dubravka's return to the club, Howe said: "Martin’s situation is that he wanted to come back, and we were delighted to welcome him back.
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"There was never an issue between me and Martin. He’s a top goalkeeper, and I’m delighted to welcome him back to the squad."
Dubravka is certainly ruled out of the League Cup clash with Leicester City next week after appearing for Man United in earlier rounds. But he is free to start between the posts against the Owls this weekend if Howe sees fit to select him.
Durbavka has again been linked to Leicester over a possible January switch but it remains to be seen whether Howe holds on to the stopper. Much may depend on whether ex-Germany Under-21 international Loris Karius extends his contract.
Howe said last night: "There's no update on Loris."
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