Newcastle United injury blow as key man pictured in cast - won’t play against Chelsea

Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope was spotted in Alnwick on Wednesday afternoon - less than 24 hours after undergoing hand surgery.

The 31-year-old has started every Premier League game for the Magpies since completing his £12million move from Burnley last summer - despite carrying a finger injury since March.

And after helping Newcastle end their 20-year Champions League absence with one game to spare, Pope was given the green light to go under the knife after Monday night’s goalless draw with Leicester City.

Pope, speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle at the opening of the Lilidorei play village at Alnwick Garden. admitted “the timing’s worked out well”

The England international said: “Just fingers, something that’s needed doing for a few months, really. It’s something I’m pleased to get sorted. I’ll be back for pre-season. The timing’s worked out well.

“I’ve had it for a couple of months, it’s just something that’s been lingering and lingering. [It’s] nice to get it sorted. Everything went really well. I think it’s just pre-season we’re looking at. Obviously, [we] have a good recovery time over the summer.”

The interviewee Stephanie Finnon uploaded a photo of her and Pope, whose left hand was in a cast supported by an arm sling.

Martin Dubravka is set to replace Pope in between the sticks when Newcastle face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their final match of the Premier League campaign on Sunday (kick-off 4:30pm).

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