These are early days of course but the preparation for the new season does not look ideal for Newcastle United.
While there is so much excitement ahead of a Champions League campaign, difficult conversations are believed to have been held in regards to exactly how much Newcastle can spend from here.
Eddie Howe has already admitted to feeling some frustration in the transfer market thus far having only been able to bring in one player by mid-July.
Now, there is another problem.
According to The Chronicle, the club could be forced to jet out to the United States for a pre-season tour without a key player.
Nick Pope could miss tour of America
Indeed, it seems Nick Pope may have to sit the tour out.
Howe’s team are set for games against Aston Villa, Chelsea and Brighton across the pond but may not have a full squad available.
England international Pope underwent surgery on his left hand towards the end of last season to fix a lingering issue and could miss out.
“Nick Pope is doing well,” said Howe.
“He’s doing light handling now, so he’s made good progress from his finger injury and we hope he’ll back available to play, in and around the America trip, maybe just after.”
A blow for Newcastle
In an ideal world, Howe would have his strongest squad available to get up to full speed against Premier League opponents.
A key figure all of last season, Pope was hailed as “brilliant” by Howe following an excellent first campaign with the club.
Luckily, however, Newcastle are well-stocked between the sticks.
Martin Dubravka is more than serviceable option in the interim and he looks set to stay at the club, while Loris Karius is highly-rated by Howe and has signed a new contract.
Still, missing Pope can hardly be considered a good thing.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
