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Sources: Newcastle United star Nick Pope faces four months out in 'devastating blow'
Newcastle United fear that Nick Pope could be sidelined for up to four months after dislocating his shoulder in the 1-0 win over Manchester United, Football Insider can reveal.
The 31-year-old hobbled off the pitch at St James’ Park on Saturday evening after falling awkwardly during a dive.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe confirmed after the full-time whistle that Pope’s injury appeared to be a dislocated shoulder.
It is understood now via sources that the Magpies number one is facing a devastating four-month spell on the sidelines in what is a huge blow for Newcastle.
Pope has been Newcastle’s first-choice keeper since his £10million move to Tyneside in 2022 – he had played every minute of Premier League and Champions League football for Newcastle this season until his injury on Saturday evening.
Howe will now have to rely on second-choice goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who replaced Pope and maintained a clean sheet against Manchester United.
Pope’s shoulder setback adds to Newcastle’s alarming injury list, with Howe’s squad now missing 12 players through injury or suspension.
Sandro Tonali is set to miss the remainder of the season after facing a ban for gambling offences, while Jacob Murphy, Dan Burn, Callum Wilson, Elliot Anderson, Sean Longstaff, Sven Botman, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes, Javier Manquillo and Matt Targett are all enduring spells on the sidelines.
The extent of Pope’s injury means he is expected to miss Newcastle’s busy Christmas schedule that includes clashes against Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal.
Pope will also miss Newcastle’s crucial Champions League tie against AC Milan next month.
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