Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow was playing through the pain in the Magpies' draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers, according to his manager Steve Bruce.
Darlow, who has been filling in for first-choice goalkeeper Martin Dubravka after the Slovakian international picked up an ankle injury over the summer, suffered a knock of his own after colliding with Manchester United's Marcus Rashford during a 4-1 loss to the Red Devils.
While the Englishman had seemingly recovered from his blow to the knee in time for the very next game against Wolves, he was criticised for his role in the opening goal of the match as he failed to get a stronger hand to Raul Jimenez' half-volley.
Newcastle eventually recovered a point through Jacob Murphy's last-minute free kick, and Steve Bruce refused to blame his keeper for the goal conceded by his side, telling the Chronicle that Darlow had not quite shaken off his injury.
"Karl’s done well to be on the pitch, most people wouldn’t with the knock he’s got," said Bruce.
“It looked a good strike from Jimenez from where I was. We were disappointed because we gave away a cheap free-kick and our defenders weren’t out quick enough to it.”
With Dubravka's return not looking likely within the near future, Darlow may find himself playing rather more football than expected this season.
Dubravka's injury was originally incurred while jogging in his native Slovakia, but returning to training with his teammates in the North East is thought to have worsened the problem.
A report by The Times revealed that though the planned return date for Newcastle's number one was some time in October, his recovery has not yet gone to plan, and that there was 'disappointment' upon the removal of his protective boot.
Source : 90min