Eddie Howe has a potential selection dilemma on his hands ahead of Newcastle United’s game against Sunderland.
The Toon boss is already concerned about a potential Joelinton injury, with Lewis Miley on standby to replace the Brazilian enforcer.
There are also issues at full-back, with Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth not set to return and provide cover for Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall.
Now there is another possible problem for Eddie Howe to deal with, but it is one he will welcome.
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Newcastle United fans want Nick Pope to start against Sunderland
Following Newcastle United’s draw with Bayer Leverkusen, Howe confirmed that Nick Pope has an outside chance of being available for the derby.
Pope has missed Newcastle’s last four games with a groin injury, but could make his comeback at the Stadium of Light.
It would certainly be a welcome return, as Aaron Ramsdale has not been convincing at all since coming into the Newcastle United starting XI.
Pope’s possible return will give Howe a decision to make, but Newcastle United fans on X believe it is clear that the 33-year-old should come back into the side if he is fit enough.
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If Pope is fit, should he replace Ramsdale against Sunderland?
Ramsdale has looked unconvincing for me, but Pope's form was poor before the injury…
This fan wrote: “If Pope is fit for Sunday he starts for me. Ramsdale has shown he isn’t the answer and neither is Pope to some respect but he is a better GK than Ramsdale but proves we need a top GK next summer.”
A second Toon supporter added: “Pope straight back in hopefully.”
A third Newcastle United fan posted on X: “If Pope’s fit he has to come straight back in. As error-prone as he’s been recently, he’s still a more reassuring presence than Ramsdale based on what we’ve seen so far.”
“Pope straight back in please, Edward,” asked this member of the Toon Army.
Another Newcastle supporter simply wrote ahead of the derby: “Pope fit? Start him.”
Finally, this Toon fan commented: “Having Nick Pope back for Sunday would be a boost. If anyone’s watched Aaron Ramsdale glued to his line believing he’ll cope with Sunderland’s set pieces on Sunday, they’ll be in for a shock based on what we’ve seen so far.”
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Nick Pope missed the last Tyne-Wear derby
If he is involved on Sunday, it will be Pope’s first Newcastle United appearance against Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby.
He missed the FA Cup derby in January 2024, with a shoulder injury ruling him out.
That resulted in Martin Dubravka taking his place, with the veteran Slovakian keeping a clean sheet on Wearside as Howe won his first ever Tyne-Wear derby.
The Newcastle United manager will aim to make it two wins from two on Sunday, and his chances will certainly be boosted if Pope is fit enough to feature in the starting XI.
While he has been out of form himself, he is the best goalkeeper that the Magpies have.