Newcastle United and England goalkeeper Nick Pope is set to undergo shoulder surgery after dislocating it during a save in the match against Manchester United.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe mentioned a potential four-month recovery, expressing concern for Pope’s absence in crucial upcoming games and the Euros.
“He’s naturally down because we’ve got huge games coming up and he’s got the Euros ahead of him,” Howe said.
“We’re thinking of him because it’s another strange injury for us. There’s no doubt he needs an operation so he will be out for a period of time, we think around four months.”
Pope, who joined Newcastle in June 2022, faces an injury setback alongside several teammates.
With January transfer rumors circulating, Howe clarified, “We have not made any enquiries. It’s a chance for the other keepers to consolidate their positions.”
This injury disrupts Pope’s consistent presence in Newcastle’s campaigns this season and jeopardizes his Euro 2024 chances.
“We are at the stage of the season where there are so many huge games coming up,” added Howe.
“He’s got the Euros ahead of him as well, which he was determined to try to be involved in, and there is still a chance of that for him.
“But I think his main determination is to come back for us. You never know what situation we will be in at that stage of the season.”
Despite the setback, his teammate Callum Wilson emphasized Pope’s impact, stating, “He’s single-handedly kept us in matches this season. He’s that difference at the back, but our other goalkeepers can step up, and now it’s their opportunity to shine.”
This season, Pope has kept five Premier League clean sheets- the joint-most in the league alongside Sam Johnstone and Andre Onana.
