Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope is set for at least another month on the sidelines with his shoulder injury.
The 31-year-old has been out since the start of December after dislocating his shoulder during a 1-0 win over Manchester United and requiring surgery. Pope has missed The Magpies' last 20 matches in all competitions.
Martin Dubravka has been brought into the side in Pope's absence but Newcastle's form has dipped and the side have dropped to 10th in the Premier League table heading into the final two months of the campaign.
Pope was given a four-month recovery time following his injury with an early April return expected. But now the goalkeeper looks set to be approaching five months on the sidelines by the time he returns.
"April is his target, but I think that will be more towards the end of April than the beginning," head coach Eddie Howe said on Pope's recovery. "He’s making good, solid progress. He’s out on the grass but not necessarily diving.
"That will be a big test for his shoulder and it’s the next stage. Then, of course, he will have to get his sharpness back. He’s entering into the final furlong in terms of his comeback but he’s still got a lot of hurdles to go through."
Newcastle will be into their final run of matches of the 2023-24 campaign once Pope is back available. The Magpies face Manchester United at Old Trafford on April 20 before hosting Sheffield United at St James' Park on April 27.
Howe's side then have just three games left in May against Burnley, Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.
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