It feels like Newcastle United’s injury crisis is never going to end, and now Eddie Howe has received even more bad news.
The Magpies lost Sven Botman for up to nine months before the international break, and that was followed by Lewis Miley possibly being ruled out for the rest of the season.
Then Saturday brought more injury despair, which cast a dark cloud over what was a remarkable 4-3 win over West Ham United. Jamaal Lascelles suffered an ACL injury , while Tino Livramento hurt his ankle.
On top of that, Miguel Almiron had to be replaced just minutes after coming on due to a knee injury. It has been reported by journalist Joel Bland that the 30-year-old could be back with a month.
But while Almiron could be back before the 2023/24 Premier League season comes to an end, that does not appear to be the case for one of Newcastle’s long-term absentees.
Newcastle will now be without key player for the rest of the season
Since the beginning of December, Newcastle United have been without their first choice goalkeeper. Martin Dubravka has had to play in between the sticks, with Nick Pope suffering a shoulder injury during a 1-0 win over Manchester United.
It was a cruel blow at the time, and it has proven to be an even bigger hinderance than most could have imagined.
The Magpies have badly missed Pope, but there was hope that he would return before the end of the season. Eddie Howe recently stated that the 31-year-old would be back towards the end of April.
However, that may no longer be the case.
According to journalist Joel Bland, Pope is now going to miss the rest of the season. He has stated on X that the England international has suffered a setback and will not be fit for any of the Magpies’ remaining nine games.
More injury disappointment for Nick Pope
That is a massive blow, and it increases the pressure on Dubravka to step up. He looks incredibly shy of confidence right now, and produced a worrying display during the 4-3 win over West Ham at the weekend.
Being without Pope has been a disaster for Newcastle, while this setback is also a disaster for Pope. It means he will definitely miss Euro 2024, with England hoping to go all the way in Germany.
While the likes of Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon could be in the Three Lions squad, Pope will not. That is a massive shame.
Hopefully Pope is back in time for the beginning of pre-season, ahead of a summer in which Newcastle are expected to target a new goalkeeper.
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