Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope has been forced to withdraw from the England squad for the upcoming fixtures with Italy and Ukraine. The Magpies shot-stopper has been dealing with a minor issue despite playing an entire 90 minutes in the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Friday.
Pope was called up to Gareth Southgate's squad alongside Jordan Pickford and Aaron Ramsdale but has now been replaced by former Newcastle goalkeeper Fraser Forster. Pope will receive treatment while his team-mates enjoy a warm-weather trip to Dubai.
The former Burnley goalkeeper is now in a race against time to be passed fit for the visit of Manchester United on April 2. The Red Devils have also suffered a setback after Marcus Rashford, along with Pope and Mason Mount, pulled out of the England setup over the weekend.
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Newcastle have plenty of options in behind Pope, with Martin Dubravka and Loris Karius fighting fit at present. Dubravka replaced Pope after his red card against Liverpool last month, while Karius featured in the Carabao Cup final.
"In my experience Loris has been very calm, passionate about his work, passionate about goalkeeping, wants to do well, but he has that calmness and confidence that gives you a lot of belief that he'll be fine," said Newcastle's head coach before the Wembley showpiece.
Pope has been in fine form of late despite an error against Liverpool which saw him sent off and a rare mistake against Wolves when a poor touch allowed Raul Jimenez through on goal.
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