A collective sigh of relief swept through Newcastle United as goalkeeper Nick Pope declared himself fit to face Manchester City. The news comes after a concerning head injury sustained in the team’s previous match, leaving fans anxious about their defensive stalwart.
Pope’s return is a massive boost, considering his exceptional form this season. He trails only Arsenal’s David Raya in clean sheets, and ranks among the league’s top shot-stoppers with a remarkable number of saves.
The positive updates didn’t stop there. Full-back Tino Livramento is on the cusp of a comeback after a lengthy absence since September due to a knee injury. His dedication to recovery has been lauded by the coaching staff.
Livramento’s professionalism throughout his rehabilitation has been exemplary, working tirelessly with the physios to regain his peak condition. His return promises to add significant depth and dynamism to the Newcastle defense.
Anthony Gordon is also nearing full fitness, battling back from a hip injury that has hampered his recent performances. A late fitness test will determine his availability for the crucial match against City.
Other players, including Sandro Tonali and Nick Woltemade, are fully fit and available for selection. However, Will Osula’s recovery is proving more complex, potentially requiring a specialist consultation.
Joelinton has shaken off a painful leg knock and is ready to contribute, providing further encouragement for manager Eddie Howe. The team, however, will be without Dan Burn, serving a suspension following a red card.
Summer signing Yoanne Wissa remains sidelined with a knee injury, and a definitive return date is still uncertain. He is currently undergoing intensive training with the sports science team, effectively embarking on a pre-season program.
Wissa’s progress is encouraging, with each session showing improvement, but until he rejoins full training, pinpointing his return remains a challenge. The club is carefully managing his rehabilitation to ensure a complete and lasting recovery.
