Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope has been sidelined for four months due to a shoulder injury sustained during the match against Manchester United.
The 31-year-old England goalkeeper injured himself while diving for a shot in the second half of the 1-0 victory at St James’ Park. As a result of this setback, Pope will be unable to play for the next four months.
His absence adds to the existing list of injured players for Newcastle, which includes Callum Wilson and Dan Burn, among others.
Toon boss Eddie Howe said: “We anticipate he’ll be operated on — there’s no doubt he needs an operation — so he will be out for a period of time, we think around four months.
“It is the same shoulder [as his previous injury] but a different part of the shoulder. There was no reason for that happening.
“He’s had a couple of appointments, visited specialists. I am awaiting final news on what is going to happen.
Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope, who joined the team in the summer of 2022, has been a key player, making 62 appearances and featuring in all 14 Premier League games this season. Pope has been impressive, keeping six clean sheets in the current campaign.
He said: “I think he is going to be a massive loss, no matter how long he is out.
“In some matches this season, he has single-handedly kept us in games.
“When a team goes one-on-one he will pull off a ‘worldie’ save and we will end up winning the game. He is that difference you need sometimes at the back.
“But that is not to say our other goalkeepers can’t step up now. It is their opportunity to shine and that is what football is all about.”
Newcastle take on Everton at Goodison Park on Thursday as they look to stay within touching distance of the top four.