Newcastle United's Nick Pope during the match
Sky Sports journalist and North East reporter Keith Downie has revealed that Nick Pope is a ‘doubt’ for Newcastle United‘s trip to Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Lowdown: Team news
Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, Eddie Howe confirmed two issues, sharing his concern over the fitness of Emil Krafth while also giving a timeline on Jonjo Shelvey’s injury.
The right-back looks likely to miss out alongside Shelvey against the Seagulls, but it now appears many more could be joining them on the sidelines.
The Latest: Pope adds another ‘doubt’
Reports are now emerging that as many as seven players could miss out, and taking to Twitter, Downie has revealed that Pope is also a ‘doubt’ for the game, with either Martin Dubravka or Karl Darlow ready to deputise in net for the visitors:
“Hearing Nick Pope is a doubt for the trip to Brighton tomorrow, with Martin Dubravka or Karl Darlow ready to deputise.”
The Verdict: Blow
It would be a blow if Pope was forced to miss the match through injury, given that he is now clearly the first-choice goalkeeper.
The England international was signed from Burnley in the summer, and deputised in net in the 2-0 win at home to Nottingham Forest on the opening Premier League weekend, keeping a clean sheet.
Should Newcastle sign Pope?
Yes
No
There is no doubting his qualities, as he ranks in the 99th percentile for launch percentage and frequency of defensive actions made outside the penalty area (FBRef) for goalkeeper’s in Europe’s top five leagues, and was the second-best performing goalkeeper in the Premier League last season, after Liverpool star Alisson (WhoScored).
Nonetheless, the Toon Army will be hoping that they can keep a clean sheet at the Amex Stadium without him.
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