In a concerning setback for Newcastle United, star goalkeeper Nick Pope faces an extended spell on the sidelines as he continues his recovery from a dislocated shoulder sustained during a match against Manchester United in early December.
The most recent update from the preparation ground demonstrates that Pope, 31, has started light instructional courses as a feature of his restoration cycle. Nonetheless, lead trainer Eddie Howe has underlined that the Britain global is still ‘various weeks from’ making a full re-visitation of activity.
Since Pope’s injury, Newcastle’s performance has suffered, with the team slipping from fifth to ninth in the Premier League standings. Additionally, the club has conceded 34 goals and exited both the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
Although Pope has shown progress by returning to gym work and undertaking gentle outdoor sessions, Howe remains cautious about setting a timeline for his return. Speaking in a press conference ahead of Newcastle’s upcoming fixture against Blackburn Rovers, Howe stated, “No immediate update, he’s not on the verge of returning. he’s still a lot of exercise center based despite the fact that I think he has done several hand meetings outside yet extremely, delicate at this stage so I actually believe he’s various weeks away.
In Pope’s absence, Martin Dubravka has taken up the mantle in goal, albeit with Loris Karius deputizing during a recent defeat to Arsenal due to Dubravka’s illness.
The uncertainty surrounding Pope’s return adds to Newcastle’s injury concerns, with several other players currently sidelined:
- 1: Tino Livramento (knock): The right-back sustained a knock during the defeat against Arsenal but managed to play through the pain. His return is expected for the Blackburn Rovers clash on February 27th.
- 2: Martin Dubravka (illness): Dubravka missed the Arsenal game due to illness, and his availability for the Blackburn match remains uncertain.
- 3: Matt Targett (hamstring): Targett has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since November but is nearing a return to action, with a projected comeback against Wolves on March 2nd.
- 4: Elliot Anderson (back): Anderson has been out with a back injury for an extended period but is nearing a return to training, with a potential comeback against Wolves also anticipated on March 2nd.
