Key Newcastle United man ruled out of Tottenham, Fulham and Chelsea fixtures

Newcastle United's Nick Pope will spend some time out of action after suffering a shoulder injury - he is expected to be out until early May as things stand.

Pope has been one of the stronger goalkeepers in the Premier League this season. Newcastle have conceded just 14 goals in 11 games in 2023/24 - only Arsenal have let in fewer goals so far this term.

Three of the Toon's next four domestic games, one Carabao Cup fixture and two Premier League games, will be against a selection of London clubs - Tottenham on December 10, Fulham on December 16 and Chelsea on December 19. This will come as good news to fans of these three clubs, as their chances will be bolstered by the absence of such an integral member of the Newcastle team.

Who will take Nick Pope's place in the Newcastle United squad?

Martin Dúbravka replaced Pope on Saturday as the Magpies number one was forced off with the shoulder injury against the Red Devils. Dúbravka kept Newcastle's clean sheet en route to a 1-0 victory for Eddie Howe's side - but he may not be a the permanent solution to the problem.

Newcastle have also been linked with a move for former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, who is still a free agent following his release from Old Trafford. His wage demands could provide an issue, considering his reported £375,000 per week deal at the Red Devils, but Newcastle's financial muscle should be able to ease any concern he may have on this front.

Additionally, Newcastle can also call upon former Liverpool 'keeper Loris Karius, who is still contracted to the club. Despite this, it seems that Eddie Howe prefers Dubravka to the German shot-stopper - it is unlikely he'll get a run in the first team unless the Toon's goalkeeper injury woes worsen.