Exclusive:Newcastle United injury dilemma as summer signing set to see specialist after fresh blow - major U-turn hinted
Newcastle United injuries: A Newcastle star is set for a specialist assessment following a training ground injury picked up last week.
Matthias Jaissle has been handed an unexpected Newcastle United goalkeeping dilemma ahead of Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup trip to Millwall (8pm kick-off).
Nick Pope was a surprise return to the Newcastle matchday squad for the first time under Jaissle for Saturday’s 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth. It came after the 34-year-old failed to secure a summer transfer exit despite being available to leave.
The former Magpies No. 1 shot-stopper had not previously featured in a matchday squad since Jaissle’s appointment as head coach or Lukas Hornicek’s arrival as the new first choice between the sticks.
Newcastle United injury blow
Another summer signing, Ewen Jaouen, has been the preferred option on the bench over Pope and started Newcastle’s Carabao Cup second round win over West Bromwich Albion last summer. But the 20-year-old suffered an ankle injury in training on the eve of the Bournemouth match and was forced to withdraw from the matchday squad, seeing Pope called up.
The Gazette can reveal Jaouen had a scan on his ankle over the weekend and is now set to see a specialist, ruling him out of the trip to Millwall. While the problem was initially not thought to be serious, it’s unclear how long the injury will sideline the young goalkeeper for.
The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Jaouen joined Newcastle over the summer with the understanding he would be given experience in the cup competitions. But now he is unavailable, Jaissle faces a decision whether to keep Hornicek in goal or recall Pope to the starting line-up for the first time this season. Other goalkeeping options include Mark Gillespie and Aidan Harris.
Jaissle admitted uncertainty over the situation heading into Tuesday’s match as he told The Gazette: “We'll need to see [who plays]. There was a reason [Pope was on the bench], because Ewen was twisting his ankle [on Friday].
“Still a couple of days left to make the final decision on who's then finally in the goal.”