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Eddie Howe supports Martin Dubravka in filling the significant void left by Nick Pope, as Newcastle’s primary goalkeeper is expected to be out for up to four months.
Unfortunately, Magpies’ coach Howe’s concerns about Pope’s shoulder injury, sustained in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United, have been validated. The 31-year-old will need to undergo surgery and will be out of action for four months, potentially jeopardizing his chances of being selected for England’s Euro 2024 team.
Unfortunately, the player who cost £10million suffered an injury when he tried to save a shot from Sergio Reguilon, dislocating his left shoulder. This injury will give a chance for his backups Dubravka, Loris Karius, and Mark Gillespie to step up. The Slovakia player, who came in as a substitute during the last game, is expected to be the first choice to replace him and start against Everton on Thursday night.
Howe expressed his confidence in Martin, stating that he has always held him in high regard.
“We have brought Nick in to create competition within the team and build a strong squad that can lead us to success. However, Martin is a top-quality goalkeeper.”
“He is a highly skilled goalkeeper, adept at stopping shots. He also excels in using his feet and distributing the ball. I have no doubt in my decision to bring Martin onto the team and I am confident that he will perform admirably.”
There have been reports connecting Newcastle to the possibility of signing former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea in the past few days. However, Howe stated that no official inquiries have been made.
He stated that there have been no inquiries or decisions made regarding recruitment for January.
“This is an opportunity for the goalkeepers on our football team to solidify their roles, and the same applies to all other positions within the club.”
Earlier, Howe verified that Pope is anticipating a conclusive determination on the next steps, but that surgery is unavoidable.
He stated that it is expected for him to undergo surgery, as there is no question that he requires it. This means he will be absent for a certain amount of time.
The procedure has not taken place yet, but we anticipate it will be around four months, which is a significant setback for us. However, it was something we were prepared for after the game.
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He has the upcoming Euros in front of him, which he was determined to participate in, and there is still a possibility for him to do so.
Eddie Howe, the head coach of Newcastle
“He’s naturally down because at this stage of the season where we have so many games, huge games coming up – he’s got, obviously, the Euros ahead of him as well, which he was determined to try to be involved in, and there’s still chance of that for him.
“I believe his primary motivation is to return for our team. We cannot predict the circumstances we will face later in the season, so it could potentially be even more challenging for him.”
Dubravka symbolizes experience, while 17-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley is on the other end of the spectrum. Despite this, he will also take the field at Goodison Park due to an injury crisis that has unexpectedly put him in the spotlight.
Miley has recently played against Chelsea, Paris St Germain, and Manchester United in his last three games. He has embraced the opportunity given to him with enthusiasm.
Howe commented, “Is it not impressive? I haven’t witnessed a 17-year-old do that before. However, nothing completely catches me off guard based on what we saw during pre-season.”
I am optimistic that he will continue to improve and maintain the impressive standards he has already demonstrated.
The Independent is a popular newspaper publication in the United Kingdom.
The Independent, a well-known newspaper in the UK, is widely read.
