Nick Pope is set for surgery following a dislocated shoulder picked up during Newcastle United's 1-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday.
The 31-year-old is set for an extended spell on the sidelines but Eddie Howe is hopeful of seeing the goalkeeper back in action before the end of the 2023-24 season. The goalkeeper adds to The Magpies' already lengthy injury list.
Explaining the injury, Howe said: "He's had a couple of appointments visiting specialists. I'm awaiting final news on what will happen.
"We anticipate he will be operated on, there is no doubt he needs an operation. The period of [recovery for] that will be roughly four months."
Four months out will sideline Pope until April 2024. Martin Dubravka is set to step-up into the side in Pope's absence.
"We really believe in Martin," Howe admitted. "I've always had that high opinion of him. We brought in Nick for the competition."
Pope suffered a serious injury blow to the same shoulder during his time at Burnley which sidelined him for an extended period. But Howe claims it is not a repeat injury.
"Same shoulder different part of the shoulder," Howe added. "The old injury is fine. There was no reason for that happening, it's just an unfortunate set of circumstances leading to that happening."
Howe is also hoping to welcome some players back from injury in the coming matches with Sean Longstaff, Sven Botman and Joe Willock understood to be close to returning.
"We hope so," Howe added. "Difficult to give a definitive answer on that. No one is training with the group at the moment but some are very close."
Here is Newcastle United's current injury list and expected return dates...
1. Matt Targett (achilles)
Targett has been missing since picking up a hamstring injury against Man Utd back in November. He has featured on the bench in their last couple of outings before dropping out v West Ham and Everton in what is understood to be a minor setback in his recovery. Expected return: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - 13/04 | Getty Images
2. Kieran Trippier (calf)
Trippier was forced off during the 3-0 win over Wolves with a calf injury. He has since been ruled out for over a month. Set for another couple of weeks out at least. Expected return: Crystal Palace (A) - 24/04 | Getty Images
3. Nick Pope (shoulder)
Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder against Manchester United in December and required surgery. Eddie Howe has said the goalkeeper is still a number of weeks away and isn't expected back until 'late April'. Expected return: Sheffield United (H) - 27/04 | Getty Images
4. Tino Livramento (ankle)
Livramento picked up a twisted ankle injury at Chelsea which ruled him out for the Manchester City trip. He returned against West Ham United before suffering another ankle injury which will keep him out for another couple of weeks. Expected return: Burnley (A) - 04/05 | Getty Images