Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope is back in light training following a dislocated shoulder injury.
The 31-year-old is still 'a number of weeks away' from returning for Newcastle after suffering the injury during the 1-0 defeat over Manchester United in early December. Since Pope's injury, Newcastle have dropped from fifth to ninth in the Premier League table and conceded 34 goals while also exiting the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
Pope required surgery on his shoulder but has since returned to the gym and has been back out on the grass for 'very, very gentle' sessions, according to head coach Eddie Howe. It is hoped Pope will be back involved for Newcastle's end-of-season run-in.
But any talk of a return in the near future was played down by Howe in his press conference ahead of the trip to Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night (7:45pm kick-off).
"No immediate update, he’s not on the verge of returning," Howe said. "He’s still working his way back, he’s still very much gym based although I think he has done a couple of hand sessions outside but very, very gentle at this stage so I still think he’s a number of weeks away."
Martin Dubravka has stepped into the side in Pope's absence though Loris Karius was used during the 4-1 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday due to Dubravka feeling ill.
When asked if Pope would come straight back into the side, Howe previously told The Gazette: "He was given about four months to return and I think he's on track for that. As for the team selection, we'll have to wait and see when he returns to training."
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