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.
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Pope has been instrumental to Newcastle's success this term and will be itching to continue his fine club form when the season rolls back around in August. The 30-year-old is also relishing playing in the Champions League for the very first time.
"It’s always nice to be involved so I’m just happy to get another clean sheet," Pope said after Newcastle crossed the line earlier this week. "They’ve [the fans] been unbelievable all year and to pay them back with getting over the line tonight, it means everything.
"To do it here, to do it in front of these fans, we’ve worked so hard this year. The boys have given everything - and the staff - so to be there next season, it means everything."
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