Eddie Howe finally has options at Newcastle United, and that is forcing him to make some difficult decisions.
The Newcastle United squad is suddenly looking much healthier, with key players returning from injury in recent weeks to give Eddie Howe some selection headaches.
His latest could come in the form of Kieran Trippier, who is in contention to return from a calf injury against Brighton And Hove Albion.
Elsewhere, Howe suddenly has two strikers to choose from. Callum Wilson has scored two in two and is fit after a pectoral problem, while Alexander Isak is in the best form of his career.
Newcastle also have a fresh option in midfield, with Joelinton finally returning from the thigh injury that he suffered in the FA Cup win over Sunderland. He made his comeback off the bench against Burnley last week, and was very impressive during his cameo.
Newcastle have Nick Pope back from injury too
Another player who Newcastle United have back from injury is Nick Pope. He was on the bench last week, watching on as Martin Dubravka failed to keep a clean sheet against Burnley.
The 35-year-old has been Newcastle’s first choice stopper throughout Pope’s absence, and has not filled fans with much confidence. There have been patches when he was impressed, but sadly the bad outweighs the good.
Newcastle are nowhere near as good defensively when Dubravka starts, which is why it is excellent to see that Pope is back.
Eddie Howe comments on goalkeeper debate
However, Eddie Howe’s latest comments suggest that he might not recall the £10million goalkeeper to the Newcastle starting XI against Brighton on Saturday.
Howe has spoke to the media ahead of the game, and was asked if he now has a selection dilemma in between the sticks.
“I think if both keepers were 100% fit that is a very difficult call,” he said.
“Nick is still building his robustness. Last week was very clear. Martin deserved to play and Nick is still finding his rhythm. Nick is in a good place and building his strength back up.”
Nick Pope should start against Brighton
Howe’s comments suggest that Pope is not 100% fit yet, and will therefore be on the bench again this weekend.
That would be a major disappointment, as Howe needs to put out his best team possible for Newcastle’s final three games of the season. It is vital that we pick up as many points as possible, as we go in search of Europa League or Europa Conference League qualification. And there is no doubt that Pope starts if Newcastle have everyone available.
Of course, Howe is being diplomatic, as he is not going to throw Dubravka under the bus. But he will have been able to see how much his side has struggled without Pope, and must be desperate to get him back in the starting XI.
Hopefully Pope can prove his fitness, and show to Howe that he really is ready to return against Brighton.
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