Eddie Howe has given an update on the fitness of his Newcastle United players, including Nick Pope, ahead of their Premier League match against Manchester City.
Newcastle will probably be hoping to turnaround their poor run of form once they welcome Man City to St. James’ Park on Saturday evening.
The Magpies have won just three of their opening 11 league games, leaving them 14th within the table and just two points above the relegation zone.
Howe is having to contend with loads of injury issues to his squad, including goalkeeper Pope who needed to be subbed off within the last game – a 3-1 defeat at Brentford – after suffering a head injury.
The injury was severe enough for the 33-year-old to subsequently pull out of the England squad through the November international break, with Aaron Ramsdale in line to interchange him.
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Nevertheless, Howe has confirmed that his No.1 keeper is now fit and able to play Man City, simply saying in his pre-match press conference: ‘Nick Pope has trained, and there’s no problems there.’
Only Arsenal’s David Raya has kept more clean sheets this season than Pope, while only three other keepers have made more saves than the Magpies star.
Howe also had positive news regarding several other key players, including full-back Tino Livramento who could make his return on Saturday having been sidelined since September with a knee injury.
‘He’s very close. He’s trained within the international break which is great to see. He’s such a vital player for us and it’s great to have him back training with the group.
‘He’s done lots of work. He’s been very, excellent professionally with how he’s handled the injury and the work he’s done with the physios so I’d say he’s in good condition.
‘Anthony Gordon may be very close. He’s worked well through the break and he’s touch and go for the sport. We’ll make a really late decision.
‘Sandro [Tonali] is advantageous. Nick [Woltemade] is advantageous, there are not any problems there.
‘Will Osula we haven’t seen back in training yet but his injury hasn’t been totally plain sailing. He could also be going to see a specialist on Monday. We won’t see him back for the subsequent couple of games I don’t think.
‘Joelinton his advantageous. He took a nasty knock on his leg, but he’s advantageous.’
One player who will certainly miss the clash against Man City is Dan Burn, suspended after being sent off against Brentford.
£50million summer signing Yoanne Wissa continues to be to make his Newcastle debut as he continues to get well from a knee injury and Howe says he doesn’t have ‘a transparent, defined return date’ for the forward.
‘He’s working well. He’s not back training with us yet but he’s close. He’s working with the sports science team and almost entering a pre-season with them currently.
‘He’s doing lots of work, he’s looked good and looked higher with every session. He’s near training with us but until he gets there, it’s very difficult to present you a return date.’
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