Newcastle United will welcome back Nick Pope to the squad, but one of his goalkeeping colleagues may be going shortly.
Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope is set to be in Eddie Howe’s squad for the trip to Southampton this weekend. The England international has not featured since the 4-2 loss to Brentford in December when he suffered a knee injury. Martin Dubravka has been a more than able deputy for Pope and has played so well he has earned a new contract with the Magpies.
However, Pope, who has exercised this week, is close to being selected and might sit on the bench against the Saints. During his pre-match press conference, Howe stated: “There is a chance he will be in the squad. He’s resumed training with the group, and it’s terrific to see Nick back and the positivity he provides.
“I’ve seen him do some really good things this week, so yeah, delighted to have him back in the mix.”
Despite surrendering four goals against AFC Bournemouth, Dubravka has earned the right to preserve his place, and Pope will have to remove him from the number one position.
Howe has all but confirmed that Dubravka has chosen to stay on Tyneside, following a month of speculation that he would quit to join Al-Shabab. The head coach stated, “Yeah, I believe the negotiations have gone well. I am not sure where they are right now, but I believe we are moving forward together.
When asked about the struggle for the number one shirt, Howe stated, “It doesn’t matter if you’re a goalie or any other position; we need players producing at their greatest levels. “I will always choose the best one.”
Pope’s absence has shed emphasis on the role of Greek international Odysseas Vlachodimos during the last six weeks. The former Nottingham Forest player, who Newcastle are thought to have paid £20 million for in June, has been fully healthy but did not receive an opportunity to deputise against Bromley in the FA Cup, throwing doubt on his future.
Al-Shabab have also been connected with a deal for the former Benfica player. Howe stated, “I am not ruling out the possibility of people departing, but certainly not our core, established players. However, there may be movement for certain other players.
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