Eddie Howe has been speaking to the press this morning, offering an update on the injury front ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Goodison Park.
The devastating news comes on Nick Pope, where the boss all but confirms that he’ll be missing until April next year, with the goalkeeper set for surgery and ‘roughly’ four months on the sidelines after that freak injury in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Man Utd.
The bad news is that none of our injured players have been back in training this week, despite reports suggesting Sven Botman would return on Monday. However, Howe did have some good news, revealing that a couple a ‘very close’ to a comeback.
Howe didn’t give any names, but it’s believed Sven Botman, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff are the closest to returning, with Callum Wilson and Harvery Barnes not too far away. Here’s what Eddie had to say during today’s press conference:
Howe on Nick Pope:
“Nick has had a couple of appointments visiting specialists, we are awaiting final news on what’s going to happen with him. There’s no doubt he will need an operation so he will be out for a period of time. Roughly out for four months but it is something we expected straight after the game. It is a big blow to us.
Same shoulder (that he injured at Burnley), but a different part of the shoulder. The old injury is fine. There was no reason for that happening, it’s just an unfortunate set of circumstances leading to that happening.
“He is naturally down. Nick had the Euros ahead of him and there is still a chance for him. His main determination is to come back with us.”
Howe when asked if he’ll get injured players back soon:
“We hope so. Difficult to give a definitive answer on that. No one is (back) training with the group at the moment but some are very close.”
Howe on the character in the squad:
“We have a group of incredible characters who are prepared to give everything physically and mentally to achieve success.
“There should be a good feeling in the group that we have the talent, we have the ability, and we have the character. We’ve got some really good leaders as well that are pushing and helping everybody to perform at a very good level.”
"It's a big blow, we think he'll be out for roughly four months"
Eddie Howe has confirmed Nick Pope has picked up a long-term injury, another big player out for Newcastle👇 pic.twitter.com/xFFFWf4dtj
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 6, 2023
