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 be hoping to turnaround their poor run of form when 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 in the table and just two points above the relegation zone.
Howe is having to contend with plenty of injury issues to his squad, including goalkeeper Pope who had to be subbed off in 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 during the November international break, with Aaron Ramsdale in line to replace him.
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However, Howe has confirmed that his No.1 keeper is now fit and ready 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 in the international break which is great to see. He’s such an important player for us and it’s great to have him back training with the group.
‘He’s done a lot of work. He’s been very, very good professionally with how he’s dealt with the injury and the work he’s done with the physios so I’d say he’s in good shape.
‘Anthony Gordon is very close. He’s worked well during the break and he’s touch and go for the game. We’ll make a very late decision.
‘Sandro [Tonali] is fine. Nick [Woltemade] is fine, there are no problems there.
‘Will Osula we haven’t seen back in training yet but his injury hasn’t been totally plain sailing. He may be going to see a specialist on Monday. We won’t see him back for the next couple of games I don’t think.
‘Joelinton his fine. He took a nasty knock on his leg, but he is fine.’
One player who will definitely miss the clash against Man City is Dan Burn, suspended after being sent off against Brentford.
£50million summer signing Yoanne Wissa is still to make his Newcastle debut as he continues to recover from a knee injury and Howe says he does not have ‘a clear, 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 a lot of work, he’s looked good and looked better with every session. He’s close to training with us but until he gets there, it’s very difficult to give you a return date.’
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