Martin Dubravka is one game away from a Carabao Cup winners' medal, but may only receive it if his current team, Newcastle, loses. 

Yes, we’re aware that sounds completely farcical on the surface, yet it does actually make sense – promise. 

Dubravka enjoyed a brief loan stint with Manchester United earlier on this season and played two games in the cup against Aston Villa and Burnley. 

The Slovakian shot-stopper was then recalled in January by Eddie Howe – meaning he is now cup-tied for the final at Wembley. 

How can Dubravka claim a Carabao Cup winners' medal? 

Martin Dubravka at Man United

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Manchester United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka organises his defence during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on November 10, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

According to the Times, teams are given 19 medals by the EFL to award on the day of the final, with these allocated to the starting XI, seven substitutes and then the manager. 

The following day, the winning side is then awarded 11 further medals to be handed out at the club’s discretion. 

Considering Newcastle have used 25 players already in the competition and Dubravka hasn’t played in any of these games, it appears unlikely that the Slovakian will be rewarded with a medal. 

While this would still leave five medals to be handed out, the report suggests that Howe likes to reward his backroom staff and may choose to thank them instead of other players. 

Conversely, only 13 players in Erik ten Hag’s squad have played more than Dubravka – meaning he is surely in line for a medal if they’re victorious at Wembley. 

Martin Dubravka for Newcastle

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 08: Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka organises his defence at a free kick during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on May 08, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Newcastle could end trophy drought 

There’s no denying that Newcastle fans have had it tough in recent years. 

The era of Mike Ashley was mostly disastrous and the club failed to win a trophy during his tenure as chairman. 

In fact, the last time Newcastle won anything was back in 2006 when they won the UEFA Intertoto Cup - though whether this counts as a trophy win remains up for debate. 

It was actually 1969 when Newcastle last won a major trophy as the Magpies won 6-2 against Hungarian side Újpest FC across two legs. 

Newcastle fans will desperately be hoping that their current contingent will end this barren run without silverware and re-write the record books. 

Dubravka, on the other hand, may not feel the same way. 

Check out the latest football news and rumours here.

Arsenal to go 8 CLEAR. Can Tottenham Beat City. Chelsea Transfer Debate. Mason’s Return