Eddie Howe has confirmed the reason why Nick Pope was taken off during Newcastle United’s defeat to Brentford on Sunday.
The 33-year-old was named in the Magpies’ starting XI despite his disappointing performance against West Ham last weekend, and the disappointment continued with Nick Pope at fault for Brentford’s equaliser.
He was caught in no man’s land for Kevin Schade’s goal, as Brentford went on to win 3-1 against Newcastle United.
But Pope only conceded one of the three goals, with his afternoon coming to an end in the 77th minute. He was replaced by Aaron Ramsdale in the aftermath of Brentford winning a penalty and Dan Burn being sent off.
The timing of the change seemed strange, and now Eddie Howe has explained the decision.
Nick Pope in action for Newcastle United against Brentford.
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Eddie Howe confirms Nick Pope had concussion
Speaking to BBC Match Of The Day after Newcastle United’s loss to Brentford, the Toon boss confirmed that Pope was suffering from concussion and had to be withdrawn.
“Initially, I wasn’t told anything in the sense that he was concussed and then a message came that he wasn’t feeling too well and he had to come off,” he said.
“It probably affects (whether he reports for England duty), yeah.”
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It had looked like Pope was going to come off earlier in the game. He hit the ground hard after claiming a high loose ball, with Ramsdale on standby to be introduced.
The summer signing then sat back down again, only to be brought on a few minutes later.
It was a tough first Premier League appearance of the season for Ramsdale. He was unable to save Igor Thiago’s penalty, while his positioning could be questioned for the Brazilian’s second.