Martin Dubravka is set for an extended period on the sidelines through injury and it comes as a big blow for Newcastle United, according to Steve Howey.
The goalkeeper has yet to be involved this season and Magpies boss Steve Bruce has confirmed that Dubravka will be out of action for another eight weeks after undergoing foot surgery during the summer.
Dubravka, who played every minute of Slovakia's Euro 2020 campaign, has been Newcastle's first-choice shot-stopper for a number of years.
Having made the permanent switch from Sparta Prague following an impressive loan spell at St James' Park, the 32-year-old has gone on to make 103 appearances for the Tyneside club.
Dubravka's early-season absence, along with second-choice goalkeeper Karl Darlow's battle with Covid-19, has resulted in academy product Freddie Woodman featuring between the sticks in every fixture so far this term.
But former Newcastle defender Howey concedes his former employers will miss Dubravka's experience.
He exclusively told Football FanCast: "It's a big blow and bad news about Dubravka.
"There's nothing you can do about it. Newcastle have just got to deal with it and try to do the best they can.
"Sometimes a player's misfortune is another one's opportunity and this is a huge opportunity for Freddie Woodman to stake his claim."