May 24, (THEWILL) – Newcastle’s goalkeeper, Nick Pope, is expected to be absent from the team’s final match of the season against Chelsea, as he undergoes an operation on his left hand.
Pope, who has been an ever-present figure in the English Premier League since joining St James’ Park from Burnley for £10 million, played a crucial role in securing a top-four finish for the Magpies.
At Monday’s fixture against Leicester, the 31-year-old made an impressive save to deny Timothy Castagne, ensuring that Eddie Howe’s side earned the point required to secure a Champions League spot for the first time in two decades.
Pope’s performance resulted in his 14th clean sheet of the season. However, it appears that the game against Leicester will likely be his final appearance this season, as he was seen with his left arm bandaged during an event in Northumberland.
Newcastle United confirmed that Pope has withdrawn from the England squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia, citing the need for surgery on his hand. The club’s website released a statement, saying, “Nick Pope – who withdrew from the last Three Lions squad due to injury – is not involved as he is set to undergo an operation on his hand.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
