Martin Dubravka has withdrawn from international duty with Slovakia due to illness but will train with Newcastle United ahead of their upcoming clash at Tottenham. Reports over the weekend suggested the Magpies' number one had been diagnosed with angina - a chest condition which can reduce blood flow to the heart.
However, ChronicleLive understands Dubravka will miss Slovakia's friendly against Finland on Tuesday night due to an infection. The 33-year-old is set to train with Eddie Howe's side on Tyneside this week with no indication at this stage that he will be unavailable for selection for Sunday's trip to the capital.
Dubravka was not included in Slovakia's matchday squad for their 2-0 defeat to Norway on Friday night, and head coach Stefan Tarkovic later confirmed the goalkeeper had left the squad due to illness. Frantisek Plach was called up as Dubravka's replacement.
Newcastle's number one has been an ever-present for the Magpies head coach since making his return from a foot injury in the defeat at Arsenal in November. Speaking to club's in-house media channel prior to the recent defeat at Chelsea, the goalkeeper praised Howe and the 'positive' approach the team had now adopted.
READ MORE: Paulo Fonseca makes admission about Newcastle United managerial job
Asked if he has returned to his best form following his lengthy spell on the sidelines, Dubravka told NUFC TV: "I hope so. I hope people can see that as well because I have been working hard to be back.
"Obviously I've been through a tough time which wasn't easy to get me back on the pitch. I'm happy I am now, and I can be focused about enjoying myself on the pitch and even more with the good run we are on now."
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
