Eddie Howe has addressed Nick Pope’s fitness ahead of Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur.
The Magpies were without their number one on Saturday, as Aaron Ramsdale came into the starting XI for Newcastle United’s win over Everton.
While he did not have a lot to do, Ramsdale performed well against Everton on what was his first Premier League start for the club.
The summer signing now looks set to retain his place in the Toon starting lineup, with Eddie Howe providing an update on Nick Pope’s status after missing the Everton game due to a groin injury.
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Eddie Howe unable to offer Nick Pope injury update
During his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Spurs, Howe was asked to comment on Pope’s fitness.
“No further update from Saturday,” he said.
“He’s one of a number of players we’ll analyse early this week and try to get a proper diagnosis.”
With no real update on Pope’s condition, it sounds like Ramsdale will be required to start again on Tuesday night.
It is an excellent opportunity for the 27-year-old, who will be keen to make the number one shirt his own and potentially earn a permanent move to St James’ Park.
Ramsdale has been forced to wait patiently for an opportunity, and now he finally has one amid Pope’s injury.
Eddie Howe delighted with Aaron Ramsdale after first Premier League start for Newcastle United
It was a relatively drama-free first Premier League start for Ramsdale on Saturday. As expected, he impressed with his passing ability, while his shot-stopping capabilities were not really tested.
Regardless, Howe believes the former Arsenal man will be very happy with himself ahead of facing Spurs on Tuesday night.
“I’m sure he felt good returning back to Newcastle, that feeling we haven’t had very often away from home when you’ve done a good job,” he said.
“He can be very pleased. Really good start for him. I’m sure he’s in a good place.”
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Interestingly, Ramsdale has already been part of a Newcastle side that has beaten Spurs this season. He started the Carabao Cup triumph over Thomas Frank’s side at St James’ Park, keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 win.
He will aim to keep another clean sheet, as Newcastle United go in search of three consecutive Premier League victories. That is not something they have done all season, with Shearer tipping Newcastle to push for the top five if they can beat Spurs and Burnley at home this week.
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