Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says Nick Pope is still a "number of weeks away" from making his injury comeback.
The Magpies have been without the England international since he dislocated his shoulder in the 1-0 win at home to Manchester United on December 2. Days later, Pope underwent surgery and has already missed 16 matches.
There have been suggestions that Pope will return mid to late March but according to Howe: "He’s not on the verge of returning."
Howe continued: "He’s still working his way back, he’s still very much gym based although I think he has done a couple of hand sessions outside but very, very gentle at this stage so I still think he’s a number of weeks away."
Newcastle's dip in form and defensive struggles has coincided with Pope's absence. United had conceded 19 goals in 20 games with the 31-year-old in between the sticks compared to 34 goals shipped since his withdrawal.
The majority of those goals have came with Martin Dubravka in net but the Slovakian missed the 4-1 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday through illness, meaning Loris Karius was handed his first appearance for 12 months.
Asked about his team's defensive record, Howe said: "Yeah, of course we're looking for solutions to everything. There'd be sort of the outcome which is the goals, of course, but there's a whole body of work that goes into how you defend. Whether that's how you press, how you defend in the mid-third of the pitch, how you defend towards the goal.
"Certainly we need to do a better job.I think regardless of how you tactically set up, it's individuals doing their jobs and making sure you don't make individual errors. I think we've been guilty of a combination of a lot of those things in the last few weeks.
"We've proved we can defend, we've proved we can defend even recently and we've put in some really good performances. Certainly we're capable but we just need to deliver it consistently."
On the subject of injuries, here's Newcastle United's full injury list and when each player could return to action:
1. Sven Botman - ACL
The Dutchman has been ruled out for six to nine months after undergoing surgery on his knee. Possible return date: December 2024.
2. Jamaal Lascelles - ACL
Lascelles sustained an ACL injury against West Ham and will be sidelined for six to nine months. Possible return date: December 2024.
3. Lewis Miley - back
The 17-year-old has been sidelined with a back injury since last month and won't be rushed back. Possible return date: 2024-25 season.
4. Joe Willock - Achillies
Newcastle have taken the decision to rest Willock for the remainder of the campaign as he overcomes an ongoing Achilles issue. Possible return date: 2024-25 season.