Newcastle United could be without number one Nick Pope against Leicester City as the England goalkeeper battles to overcome a knee problem.
Pope, who has played every minute for the Magpies in the Premier League this season, will see a specialist over the issue on Friday, Eddie Howe has said. That means back-ups Martin Dubravka and Odysseas Vlachodimos are on standby to start against [City](https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/all-about/leicester-city-fc) on Saturday.
“Nick has carried a knee injury this week,” [Howe said at his press conference on Friday morning.](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-release-injury-statement-30578464) “Initially we thought it was nothing so I think he is seeking specialist opinion today and then we will see how he is after that.”
Howe also confirmed that striker Callum Wilson would be out for eight weeks with a hamstring injury. The 32-year-old missed the first few months of the season with a back problem and had only made four substitute appearances since his return.
“His injury came on Saturday against Brentford, very late in the game, an innocuous moment,” Howe said. “I really feel for Callum because we see the work, the dedication, the professionalism that he's shown, not just in the recovery from this injury, but throughout his career.
“To me he's an inspirational player and I think when you're in these moments for him, you have to understand how difficult this season has been for him. There's been a couple of setbacks when he's looked like he's so close to training and playing regularly and building that resilience that his body needs to perform at this level. He has not cut corners, he's gone through a vigorous process to try and keep himself fit.”
Midfield Joe Willock will also be sidelined this weekend. He missed Newcastle’s loss to Brentford last weekend with a hamstring issue and has not yet returned to training.