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<\/p>\nNick Pope will require surgery after picking up a shoulder injury<\/p>\n
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Eddie Howe has denied rumours that Newcastle United have already started making enquiries for another goalkeeper to replace Nick Pope but didn\u2019t rule out the possibility of a January replacement.<\/p>\n
Despite a superb 1-0 home win against Manchester United last weekend, Newcastle\u2019s injury crisis only grew deeper after first-choice keeper Pope was forced off late on with a serious shoulder injury. <\/p>\n
The club have since confirmed that the 31-year-old will need surgery which will see him sidelined for around four months. Media reports have since suggested that the Magpies have already begun making enquiries for a replacement keeper, with the January transfer window less than a month away. <\/p>\n
David de Gea and Aaron Ramsdale are two of the names linked with a move to St James\u2019s Park and, although Howe denied any concrete approaches at present, the Newcastle manager didn\u2019t rule out a move in January.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI\u2019ve seen a lot of the media headlines and press speculation regarding goalkeepers and other players,\u201d Howe said speaking at a press conference ahead of their game against Everton. \u201cWe\u2019ve not made any enquiries about January in any position. If that was the case, we\u2019d be recruiting in every position given the injuries we have in the squad.<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully that changes by January. This is an opportunity for our goalkeepers to cement their positions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Martin Dubravka is likely to replace Pope in between the sticks but the Englishman\u2019s injury leaves Howe with a threadbare squad to navigate the hectic festive schedule. Newcastle have seven games still left to play in December, including a crunch Champions League tie with Milan and a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Chelsea. <\/p>\n
At present, the squad is without 13 players but Howe praised the resilience and mentality of those still available.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a group of incredible characters who are prepared to give everything physically and mentally to achieve success,\u201d the 46-year-old added. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere should be a good feeling in the group that we have the talent, we have the ability, and we have the character. We\u2019ve got some really good leaders as well who are pushing and helping everybody to perform at a very good level.\u201d<\/p>\n
Newcastle travel to Goodison Park to take on relegation-threatened Everton as they look to make it three Premier League wins on the spin.<\/p>\n