Loris Karius set for Champions League return as WAG dubbed 'earth's most beautiful woman'

Former Liverpool flop Loris Karius is on track to return to the Champions League five years on from the match that made him a cult figure - but fans are more focused on his WAG

11:27, 13 Dec 2023

Diletta Leotta could be the real comeback story of the year(Image: Instagram/dilettaleotta)

Newcastle's current goalkeeping situation could result in an unexpected Champions League comeback for Loris Karius.

The German hasn't played a minute in the competition since his collection of clangers infamously contributed towards Liverpool's demise against Real Madrid in the 2018 final. Karius gave up a pair of preventable goals to Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale as Los Blancos beat the Reds 3-1 in Kyiv, which turned out be his final appearance for the club.

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Against all odds, however, Karius could play a crucial role in the European history of another Premier League outfit when Newcastle face AC Milan on Wednesday. That's after it was reported Martin Dubravka - who looked set to deputise for the injured Nick Pope - could be unavailable due to a shoulder injury and illness.

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But it's not Karius many fans will be most fascinated with as news of a European comeback begins to build. Rather, it's partner Diletta Leotta, whose return to centre stage could be of more interest if her beau is indeed recalled at St. James' Park.

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Karius, 30, has been on Eddie Howe's bench for each of Newcastle's five Champions League fixtures so far this season. And the former Red may now be promoted to become the most senior stopper available to his boss if Dubravka isn't fit to feature against the Rossoneri.

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Loris Karius of Newcastle United during the Carabao Cup Final match between Manchester United and Newcastle United

Karius is yet to play a senior minute for Newcastle this season(Image: Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

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Leotta had a baby daughter with the former Liverpool keeper in August(Image: INSTAGRAM/dilettaleotta)

The Magpies sit third in Group F and can still qualify for the last 16 provided they beat Milan while leaders Borussia Dortmund take points off Paris Saint-Germain. The latter is far from guaranteed, though even a draw at home to the Italians would secure Newcastle's future in the Europa League.

English audiences are still being introduced to Leotta, 32, who is more well-known among Italian football fans. But her posts are fast becoming a favourite for international followers, and one post prior to Juventus' recent win over Napoli saw one admirer dub her "the most beautiful woman on planet Earth."

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Leotta is better known for presenting DAZN's Serie A coverage(Image: Instagram @dilettaleotta)

Loris Karius of Newcastle United during the UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United FC at Parc des Princes

Karius could be called upon in shock circumstances(Image: Getty Images)

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Leotta has enjoyed her own fair share of Champions League evenings in the past, presenting coverage on behalf of DAZN alongside her Serie A duties. However, the sizzling Sicilian has been operating with a new workload after giving birth to her and Karius' daughter in August.

More than hald a decade on from that disappointment in Ukraine, Karius will be handed a chance at redemption with a new outfit in midweek. However, Newcastle's chances of progressing could be out of his hands altogether should PSG triumph at Signal Iduna Park.