Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope is facing another month on the sidelines after being ruled out since December with a dislocated shoulder.
The England international required surgery on his shoulder and has recently returned to light training. It had been claimed that Pope could be back involved in time for Newcastle's match against West Ham United on March 30, but head coach Eddie Howe expects the 31-year-old to be sidelined until April.
"It’s more likely to be next month, I don’t think we’ll see him this month," Howe admitted. "He’s working his way back well from his injury but we have to be careful with him.
"It’s important for a goalkeeper to be 100% fit, especially with shoulder issues. So yeah, I think next month."
Pope has been a key player for Newcastle since his £10million arrival from Burnley in June 2022. In his first season, Newcastle boasted the joint-best defence in the Premier League.
While Newcastle's defensive resolve continued into the opening months of the 2023-24 campaign, the side has struggled to keep goals out during Pope's absence from the starting line-up in recent months.
Martin Dubravka has come into the side in Pope's place and is set to remain between the sticks for the upcoming matches against Chelsea, Manchester City and West Ham United.
The Slovakian has impressed in recent weeks for Newcastle having made a number of strong saves before stopping two penalties in the FA Cup shootout win at Blackburn and then keeping a clean sheet in the 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.
It leaves Howe with an important decision to make once Pope returns to full fitness.
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
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
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
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