England Goalkeeper Consults Specialist About Injury

England goalkeeper Nick Pope is consulting a specialist regarding a knee injury sustained during Newcastle United’s 4-2 loss to Brentford last weekend.

According to The Athletic, the 32-year-old experienced knee pain during training and will now be evaluated ahead of Newcastle’s home match against Leicester City on Saturday. This game marks the start of a crucial stretch of fixtures for Eddie Howe and his squad.

Newcastle, currently sitting 12th in the Premier League, will face Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday before traveling to Ipswich Town. Any extended absence for Pope would be a significant setback.

Speaking to reporters during his pre-match press conference, Howe said:

“Initially, we thought it was nothing serious. He’s consulting a specialist today, and we’ll see if he’s available.”

If Pope is ruled out, Martin Dubravka is a seasoned replacement. Howe added:

“We have a very strong unit, with an excellent group of goalkeepers. If you look at the experience behind Nick, it’s a great resource for us to draw upon. Let’s see what happens with Nick today, but we have confidence in all of our goalkeepers.”

Howe also provided updates on other injuries, saying midfielder Joe Willock is “making good progress” from a minor hamstring injury that kept him out against Brentford, although he hasn’t trained with the first team this week. Meanwhile, Lewis Miley “looks really good” as he continues recovering from a metatarsal fracture.

Reports on Thursday suggested striker Callum Wilson is set for another extended spell on the sidelines after suffering yet another injury. Wilson, 32, has played just four matches this season, having recently returned from a long-term back injury.