'My partner will soon be kicking balls at me!': Martin Dubravka's reveals how he'll be ready to return for Newcastle United

Martin Dubravka hopes that the Premier League season can be completed – and he’s determined to be ready if football does return.
Martin Dubravka.Martin Dubravka.
Martin Dubravka.

Dubravka suffered a knee injury in Newcastle United’s last game before the suspension of football due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With the country in lockdown, the goalkeeper’s been going through his painstaking rehabilitation at home ahead of a possible return to training next month.

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“As a football player, I have to say I miss football, so I’d like to finish the season,” said Dubravka. “Obviously, it has to be safe for all of the people – the fans and the football players. I think it’ll take some time.

“If we finish the season, it’ll definitely be behind closed doors, without the fans. Obviously, you want to have the fans there – you’re playing for the fans. You want to give them something special, but if we have to finish the season without them, it’s better to finish the season than not.

“It’ll be tough, for example, for Liverpool if we don’t finish the season. They won almost every game.”

Dubravka should be fit to play if the Premier League resumes in June – with the help of his partner.

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The Slovakia international said: “My partner will soon be kicking balls at me and throwing them in the garden!”

Dubravka was set to miss the bulk of the club’s remaining games, but he may not miss one fixture if the season if completed in the summer.

"So many people have said to be me,” said the 31-year-old. “But, at the same time, it’s difficult. I really hope we can find our way back on to the pitch."

Dubravka suffered his injury in a collision with Southampton’s Danny Ings at the St Mary’s Stadium, where Newcastle won 1-0 to move up to 13th place.

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“It wasn't good – I felt the pain straight away,” said Dubravka. "After one kick with my left leg, I knew I had to come off the pitch.

"The specialist said that it wasn't as bad as expected, so you’ll need four or five weeks depending on your response to the treatment. I’m glad I’m nearly there."