Why Martin Dubravka will only get a winner’s medal if Newcastle lose Carabao Cup final

Martin Dubravka is set for a Carabao Cup winner's medal only if Newcastle United lose to Manchester United in the final.

Dubravka is cup-tied for the Carabao Cup final, having enjoyed a loan spell at Man United - playing two games in the competition against Aston Villa and Burnley.

The Slovakian goalkeeper was recalled by his parent club on January 1, ending his stint at Old Trafford after four months.

Teams are given 19 medals by the EFL to award on the day of the final to their starting XI, the seven substitutes and the manager, according to The Times.

They are then given a further 11 medals following the final to be awarded at the discretion of the club.

Martin Dubravka in action for Manchester United. Image: Alamy

So far, the Red Devils have used 25 players in the competition on their way to the showpiece event at Wembley Stadium.

And only 13 players at the club have played more minutes than Dubravka, who appears to be in line to get one of the additional 11 winner's medal.

The likelihood of receiving one of Newcastle's winner's medal haul appears to be slim, with Eddie Howe using 25 players on their way to the final, per the report.

So, that would leave only five medals to be handed to Howe's backroom staff, with the report claiming he likes to reward those behind the scenes.

Man United and Newcastle meet on February 26, with Erik ten Hag claiming Howe's team have the advantage.

"It is obvious Newcastle United have an advantage (when it comes to number of matches to be played before the Carabao Cup final) but it is about attitude and mentality," he said after his side's 5-0 aggregate win over Nottingham Forest.

"I have handled it before, playing a cup game after we play in Europe, when I was with Ajax, so I know how to deal with it."

Newcastle booked their spot in the final after beating Southampton 3-1 on aggregate.