Topics: Carabao Cup, Newcastle United, Manchester United, Liverpool, Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka
The Magpies have been dealt two massive blows ahead of the upcoming cup final clash with Manchester United.

Newcastle United have been dealt a massive blow ahead of the Carabao Cup final after goalkeeper Nick Pope picked up a calamitous red card in Saturday's Premier League defeat to Liverpool. The English goalkeeper was sent off in the evening's match-up for a handball offense outside his penalty area and is, as a result, suspended for the encounter with Manchester United at Wembley.

It was a night to forget for Eddie Howe's men who picked up their second defeat of the season following their remarkable run. Goals from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo put Liverpool ahead inside the first 17 minutes and handed the Magpies and tall mountain to climb. But the evening took another bad turn with Nick Pope being sent for an early shower in the 22nd minute.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper who has been a mainstay in the post for the Saint James' outfit came out of the penalty area to prevent Mohamed Salah form being through on goal. However, and rather unfortunately, his attempt to deal with the loose ball failed, forcing him him to use his hands to stop the ball while being out of the 18-yard box. Watch:

Pope subsequently received a straight red card for the offense, prompting Eddie Howe to replace him with second-choice goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. The latter, who was recently returned form a loan spell at Manchester United, held his own and closed shop, as Liverpool failed to score following his introduction.

Needless to say, there is a major concern in the Newcastle dressing room as Saturday's incident meant that Nick Pope will be ineligible to play in next week's Carabao Cup final against Manchester United. This is according to the rules of England's top-flight league.

Meanwhile, back-up goalkeeper Martin Dubravka will also not be available for selection as he was used in the cup competition by the Red Devils in his short spell at the club and, as a result, is cup tied. This means that former Liverpool goalkeeper Lloris Karius will be on the to be called up as Newcastle battle for their first major silverware since 1955 at Wembley.