Newcastle could suffer another major blow ahead of Leicester clash | OneFootball

Newcastle United have been consistently inconsistent this season.

The Magpies beat Arsenal and Nottingham Forest before losing at St James’ Park to West Ham United.

Newcastle forced Premier League leaders Liverpool to drop points but followed up with a 4-2 defeat against Brentford last weekend.

Eddie Howe’s side will be looking to bounce back when they host Leicester City on Saturday.

However, they have been handed a significant injury scare, as goalkeeper Nick Pope is doubtful for the home clash.

According to the Daily Mail, Pope is currently struggling with a knee issue sustained during last weekend’s defeat at Brentford.

If he doesn’t recover in time, Martin Dubravka is expected to take his place between the sticks, with Odysseas Vlachodimos dropping to the bench.

Pope’s fitness issue comes at a time when the Tyneside club are already reeling from Callum Wilson’s hamstring injury that has ruled him out for the next two months.

Wilson missed the start of the season due to a combination of back and hamstring issues.

He battled back to feature in Newcastle’s last four matches from the bench, but the latest setback means he will not return until mid-February.

Pope has been the number-one goalkeeper for Newcastle this season, starting all 15 top-flight matches and securing three clean sheets.

His absence would be a major blow for the Magpies, who will be desperate to return to winning ways after the Brentford defeat.

Stats from Transfermarkt.