Nick Pope: Newcastle goalkeeper will be out for four months due to shoulder surgery

Nick Pope, the goalkeeper for Newcastle United and the Three Lions quad will likely miss four months due to shoulder surgery.

As Newcastle defeated Manchester United 1-0 last Saturday, the 31-year-old dived to make a save but ended up dislocating his shoulder. Pope may make a comeback before the European Championships in the summer of next year, according to manager Eddie Howe.

Along with Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy, and Dan Burn, the club’s other injury worries include Pope, who signed for Newcastle in June 2022 for an unknown sum, and defenders Sven Botman and Dan Burn.

All of Newcastle’s games this season in the Premier League and Champions League had been played by the former Burnley goalie. After 86 minutes at St James’ Park, though, he needed to be replaced by Slovakian international Martin Dubravka due to his inability to continue guarding the net.

“He feels depressed because there are important games ahead of us and he has the Euros ahead of him,” Howe remarked. “It’s another unusual injury for us, so we’re keeping him in our thoughts. He will undoubtedly need an operation, and will be out for a while—roughly four months.”

Following his injury, rumours circulated that Newcastle could want to replace Pope during the January transfer window. David de Gea, a former Manchester United goalkeeper and currently a free agent, was reportedly mentioned as being interested in joining Newcastle.

Along with Sam Johnston of Crystal Palace and Andre Onana of Manchester United, Pope has maintained five Premier League clean sheets this season, which is a tie for most.

Newcastle hopes to advance in Europe this season and finish in the top four of the Premier League, so this injury is a major setback for them. Pope has been left out of Gareth Southgate’s England team since May, so this will hurt his chances of getting back into the team when Euro 2024 takes place in the summer.