On Saturday, Newcastle celebrated a prestigious 1:0 victory over Manchester United. However, it cost the Magpies dear as goalkeeper Nick Pope suffered a serious injury
The 31-year-old England international goalkeeper Nick Pope (ten caps) dislocated his shoulder in the final stages of the 1-0 win over Manchester United – it happened in the 86th minute when he fell awkwardly after making a save from Sergio Reguilon. The goalkeeper was immediately replaced by Martin Dubravka and underwent treatment. The question arose as to the severity of the injury and whether an operation would be necessary.
On Monday, the realization came: Pope will have to go under the knife. According to English media reports, he is now facing a forced break of four to five months. A bitter pill for Newcastle and Pope, who has been a reliable back-up this season. The 31-year-old has been an undisputed regular goalkeeper, playing all 14 Premier League and five Champions League games for Newcastle.
Karius moves up – rumors about de Gea
He will now be missing coach Eddie Howe in a packed December. The Northern Irishmen have seven games remaining this year: Everton (A), Tottenham (A), AC Milan (H), Fulham (H), Chelsea (A), Luton Town (A) and Nottingham Forest (H). It can be assumed that Dubravka will now get his chance in goal. Incidentally, Newcastle’s number three keeper is Loris Karius (95 Bundesliga games for Mainz 05 and Union Berlin and former Liverpool player).
According to the Daily Mail, those responsible at the sixth-placed team in the Premier League are now looking at David de Gea as a replacement for Pope. The Spaniard left Man United in the summer after twelve years and has been without a contract since then, meaning he would also be available on a short-term basis.
However, Pope will not only be out of action in December, as already mentioned, he is expected to be out for several months. This also reduces his chances of playing in the European Championship. England coach Gareth Southgate has had the goalkeeper in his squad for the last three major tournaments, but has recently opted for Jordan Pickford (Everton FC), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal FC) and Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace).
