Nick Pope may be “running out of time” to put himself in contention to make England’s squad for Euro 2024, admits Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe.
Pope has been sidelined since early December, having dislocated his shoulder during a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at St James’ Park.
He has missed the Magpies’ last 24 games across all competitions, with both Martin Dubravka and Loris Karius deputising between the sticks during that time.
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Pope hasn’t played for England since September 2022 but does have 10 international caps and went to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, not playing a single minute as a backup for Jordan Pickford.
While Pope was expected to jostle for position with Aaron Ramsdale, Dean Henderson and Sam Johnstone ahead of this summer’s tournament in Germany, Howe says he has work to do.
Asked whether his goalkeeper will be available for international duty in June, Howe said: “That’s difficult for me to answer because he’s not training with us at the moment.
“He’s on the final stages of his work with the physios, the goalkeeper coaches, in a controlled way.
“Of course, when he comes back into training with us, everything becomes uncontrolled and that’s the next step for him.
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“We are running out of time in terms of the season because the games will go very, very quickly for him, but he’s looking good at the moment.
“When a goalkeeper gets that type of injury, there are psychological barriers you have to overcome naturally because it’s such an important part of your body.
“You have to start to feel normal in your reflexes and your actions. He’s certainly looking a lot better at the moment.”
Howe is hopeful Pope will play some part for Newcastle prior to the end of the Premier League season, with the Magpies having seven games remaining, starting with Wednesday’s trip to Crystal Palace.
