Nick Pope is ready to make up for lost time in a Newcastle United shirt.
His 2023/24 season was ruined by a freak shoulder injury, with Nick Pope hurting himself during a 1-0 win over Manchester United in December. It was a routine dive, yet it ruled the goalkeeper out for months.
Pope had to undergo surgery, and ended up missing 25 games in total. He was out of action for almost five months, and only returned to the Newcastle United starting XI on the final day of the season.
The 32-year-old performed well on his return to the side, but it was too little too late. The Magpies had struggled without Pope, and it resulted in them missing out on European football.
Perhaps if Pope had been available sooner, things would have been different. Alas, Eddie Howe’s side will only have to focus on domestic duties this season.
Nick Pope fitness update
And Howe will have a fully fit Nick Pope.
That is according to the Athletic, who have been told by people inside Newcastle United that they believe Pope’s shoulder surgery was a success.
That is excellent news, given Pope’s history of shoulder problems. He also suffered a shoulder injury when he was at Burnley that kept him out of action for a similar period of time.
The shoulder surgery he underwent last season is actually the second time he has gone under the knife since becoming a Newcastle United player. Pope also had surgery after suffering a finger injury at the end of his debut season. The England international actually played through the pain to begin with, before having an operation once Champions League football was secured.
Newcastle are a better team with Nick Pope
Newcastle had plenty of issues last season that led to them finishing seventh, failing to qualify for Europe and extending their trophy drought.
The cup draws were ridiculous, as were the injuries. The Magpies had so many players out of action for long periods of time, decimating Eddie Howe’s squad.
But the most pivotal injury was possibly Pope’s. His absence completely changed the way that Newcastle defended, with Martin Dubravka unable to sweep up danger like Pope. The Slovakian’s unwillingness to rush out from his goal-line created a disconnect with the defenders in front of him, and the gaping gaps were exposed time and time again.
That is why supporters are so ecstatic to have Pope back, and hopefully he can enjoy an injury free season. If he does, it could prove to be a much better campaign for Newcastle United.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
