Newcastle keeper Pope faces four months out with shoulder surgery

Newcastle United’s goalkeeper, Nick Pope, is set to undergo surgery for a dislocated shoulder sustained during Saturday’s match against Manchester United. The 31-year-old experienced an awkward landing after making a save in the 86th minute, and specialists have determined that surgery is necessary, sidelining Pope for an estimated four months.

This injury adds to Newcastle’s goalkeeping challenges, as there is currently no clear long-term replacement available. While Martin Dubravka is filling in, his injury-prone status leaves the club with a lack of experienced depth in a crucial position. Younger options like Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie lack the necessary English Premier League experience for the busy festive period. The timing is particularly unfortunate as the team faces crucial league and European matches.

Pope has been a pivotal figure since joining Newcastle in 2022, and his absence will present a challenge during the hectic December schedule, which includes seven more matches. The upcoming away trips to Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and AC Milan, followed by home games against top-four hopefuls Tottenham and Manchester City, make maintaining momentum in Pope’s absence crucial for manager Eddie Howe and his team.

The surgery also raises concerns about Pope’s chances of returning to the England squad ahead of Euro 2024. While first-choice Jordan Pickford is secure, the backup roles are potentially open. With Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone being preferred recently, spending four months on the sidelines will make it challenging for Pope to regain a spot in Gareth Southgate’s plans.