Newcastle United star admits Carabao Cup final fears after six-week injury blow

Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope admits he feared missing the Carabao Cup final for a second time.

Pope was suspended for the 2023 final against Manchester United and in the weeks leading up to the Liverpool final wasn’t sure whether it would be him or Martin Dubravka in between the sticks.

The 32-year-old sustained a knee injury in the 4-2 defeat to Brentford on December 7, which ruled out for six weeks. In his absence, Dubravka stepped up and helped the Magpies record nine consecutive wins.

Nick Pope reflects on his knee injury

Reflecting on his injury, Pope said: “It’s always tough when you’re injured as you feel like you’re missing out on training, games and being around the dressing room. Your day-to-day schedule is totally different to when you’re fit so there are loads of things that you miss and any footballer will tell you that’s the hardest part of the game”

“Luckily, I was really looked after by the physios and sports scientists and you are focused on getting back as quickly as possible.”

Pope returned at the end of January but it wasn’t until around month later that he earned a Premier League recall. And it was far from a convincing comeback after he was scrutinised for the opening goals he conceded in the 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest and the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.

Dubravka was brought back in for the FA Cup fifth round exit against Brighton & Hove Albion before Pope reclaimed his spot for the 1-0 win at West Ham United, which kept fans guessing six days before the Carabao Cup.

Nick Pope feared missing Carabao Cup final - again

But it was Pope who piped the Slovakian to a starting spot and Eddie Howe’s decision was vindicated after Newcastle won the cup, with Pope making a top class save to deny Curtis Jones in a key moment in the game.

When asked if he felt his chance of playing at Wembley was at risk, Pope replied: “There was a thought of missing it again but, with football, you're trying to look after yourself and be prepared as best as you can at all times. It's something that has stood me in good stead during my career so you're always thinking about, if you're called upon, being ready and being in the best place you can be.

“You still need to come in and train at a top level and that's how you can hit the ground running when you do get the chance.

“The gaffer was really honest with me and gave me lots of confidence in the weeks building up to the cup final, and before that with the West Ham game. I always felt in a good headspace, ready to play a game of that magnitude off the back of an injury and not playing too many games. He was great for me.”

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