Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope is set to face an extended period on the sidelines, approximately four months, due to a shoulder injury sustained during the team's recent 1-0 victory over Manchester United, according to manager Eddie Howe.
Pope, who had previously undergone shoulder surgery in 2018, suffered a dislocation in the same shoulder. The injury adds to Newcastle's growing list of absent players, prompting speculation about potential replacements.
Howe confirmed that Pope would require surgery and emphasised that it was a different part of the shoulder affected this time.
Despite media reports linking Newcastle to goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale and David de Gea, Howe downplayed the idea of making short-term signings in January, emphasising the squad's overall injury situation.
Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who replaced Pope in the last match, is expected to take the starting role. Howe expressed confidence in Dubravka, citing his shot-stopping abilities and distribution skills. The manager also acknowledged the need for improvement in Newcastle's away form, with just one win in six Premier League away games this season.
Despite the injury challenges, Newcastle has recorded back-to-back league victories and a draw against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. Howe is optimistic about the team's performance but emphasised the importance of enhancing their away record, especially with an upcoming match against Tottenham. Newcastle currently sits in sixth place in the Premier League, just three points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.
