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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is unable to give a definitive date for Nick Pope’s return.
The 32-year-old has missed the last three matches due to a knee injury sustained in the 4-2 defeat Brentford on December 7. Howe initially said Pope would be out “for around a month” but has since cast doubt over that being the case.
Speaking ahead of Boxing Day clash against Aston Villa at St James’ Park, Howe said: “He’s doing okay, yeah. He was given a timeframe initially where he had to rest, he’s had a couple of injections in his knee, he is feeling better and feeling strong.
“Quite when he’ll be fit is still a difficult one to give a definitive date on.”
Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Pope’s absence has handed a recall to Martin Dubravka, who has faced just six shots in 4-0 league wins over Leicester City and Ipswich Town, and the 3-1 victory against Brentford in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
But Dubravka, who is out-of-contract in the summer, is attracting serious interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab. A January move could be dependent on how quickly Pope recovers.
"Certainly, we wouldn't want to lose the goalkeeper that's playing for us currently, that wouldn't make sense,” said Howe when asked about the Saudi links. So, no, that isn't a deal that we would want to sanction currently.
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“The Martin situation isn't clear-cut, let's wait and see what happens in the next few weeks.
"But he's certainly doing very well, I've been really pleased with his reintroduction into the team. I think he's given us a calmness, a composure, he's made a couple of really good saves, let's not forget the one he made at 1-0 against Ipswich, which was a big moment in the game.
"So I'm delighted with how he's playing. He's in goal for us at the moment and doing a great job."
The goalkeeping department at Newcastle is one that is well stocked with Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie on the books.
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