Earlier today, Eddie Howe revealed in his Friday morning press conference that Nick Pope was seeing a specialist to determine whether or not he’d be fit to face Leicester City tomorrow.
“He’s carried a knee issue this week. Initially we thought it was nothing. He is seeking a specialist opinion today then we’ll see if he’s available.” These were Howe’s word when speaking to the media a few hours ago.
Sadly, some bad news has followed on the extent of Pope’s issue, with an update emerging just moments ago.
Pope set for spell on sidelines
As revealed by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Nick Pope is facing a month on the sidelines after seeking a second opinion on his knee problem.
Downie states that the former Burnley stopper damaged knee ligaments saving a shot during last Saturday’s 4-2 defeat at Brentford, but did not realise at the time.
As a result, he won’t be back until at least mid-January, meaning Howe must call on Martin Dubravka or Odysseas Vlachodimos over our busy festive period and the start of 2025.
Newcastle face three games over the next week against Leicester, Brentford (cup quarter-final) and Ipswich, before a Boxing Day home clash with Aston Villa and trip to Man Utd on 30th December.
Another injury blow
Just as our injury situation seemed to be improving, we’ve lost Pope for a month and Callum Wilson until February, with Howe confirming this morning that the striker is facing eight weeks on the sidelines.
Sven Botman is pencilled in to return later this month, if not early January, but Emil Krafth is out with a collarbone issue, Joe Willock is yet to train despite making ‘good progress’ from another hamstring issue and Jamaal Lascelles is still working his way back from an ACL injury.
For Pope, this is his second time he’s been sidelined for a significant period of time over the past 12 months, as a dislocated shoulder this time last year saw him miss 23 of our 38 league games last term.
Hopefully the 32-year-old is back soon and Dubravka or Vlachodimos can step up in his absence in league and cup.
