NEWCASTLE, Dec 6: Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope will be out for “around four months” after dislocating his left shoulder, manager Eddie Howe said Wednesday, in the latest injury to hit the Premier League team.
It leaves Pope in a race against time to make England’s squad for the European Championship.
Pope sustained the injury as he dived to his left in an attempt to save a shot by Manchester United defender Sergio Reguilon that was blocked in front of the Newcastle keeper.
Howe said Pope will require surgery.
“The operation hasn’t happened yet,” Howe said, “but we’re thinking roughly around four months. So, it’s a big blow to us but one that we expected after the game.
“He’s naturally down because at this stage of the season where we have so many games, huge games coming up – he’s got, obviously, the Euros ahead of him as well, which he was determined to try to be involved in, and there’s still chance of that for him.” Slovakian Martin Dubravka will replace Pope, with Howe also having Loris Karius in the squad.Newcastle have been linked with a move for former Manchester United keeper David de Gea, who is currently without a club, but Howe said no approaches have been made.
“We have not made any inquiries or any decisions about our recruitment leading into January,” Howe said. (PTI)
