Nick Pope will miss Newcastle United's final Premier League game of the season against Chelsea after undergoing a hand operation. The procedure has been brought forward after the Magpies secured a Champions League spot following Monday's 0-0 draw with Leicester City.
Chronicle Live understands Pope has been playing through the pain in recent months after a hectic season that also saw him travel to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. The former Burnley stopper won't be involved in England's Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia next month.
Gareth Southgate has instead called on Everton's Jordan Pickford, Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale and Crystal Palace's Sam Johnstone, while Martin Dubravka is expected to get the nod for Newcastle at Stamford Bridge this Sunday.
