Eddie Howe has admitted that one of Newcastle United’s most respected leaders is now a major doubt for the upcoming clash against Spurs, leaving the manager facing a difficult situation he would have preferred to avoid.
Nick Pope’s injury has shifted the entire dynamic around the goalkeeping position, and while Aaron Ramsdale impressed on his return to the side, Howe made it clear that Pope remains a crucial figure at the club both on and off the pitch.
Speaking after the game, Howe revealed that he didn’t get much time to see Ramsdale directly after the final whistle because of media duties, but he sensed the goalkeeper was in good spirits.
Ramsdale’s performance contributed to a rare feeling for Newcastle this season: the satisfaction of a complete job done away from home.
According to Howe, the squad left the stadium with a sense of achievement and calm, already turning their focus to the game ahead. It was the kind of professional, composed win they have struggled to produce on the road, and Ramsdale played a central role in that.
Howe described the outing as a strong start for Ramsdale, noting that the goalkeeper seemed mentally sharp and fully engaged. It was clear that the England international felt good about helping Newcastle secure a much-needed result.
Still, despite praising Ramsdale’s impact, Howe returned repeatedly to the subject of Pope because his influence, leadership, and presence remain enormous within the squad.
Pope was voted into Newcastle’s official leadership group earlier in the season, joining senior figures such as Bruno Guimarães, Jamaal Lascelles, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Jacob Murphy.
That alone shows how highly he is regarded among his teammates, and Howe was eager to highlight just how important the goalkeeper is behind the scenes.
He spoke warmly of Pope’s character, his humour, and the positive energy he brings to the dressing room. These qualities, Howe said, are just as important as the world-class shot-stopping that supporters see on the pitch.
In Howe’s words, Pope is “outstanding” in every sense calm under pressure, commanding in his box, and reliable in crucial moments. The manager even described his shot-stopping as the best he has ever worked with, a huge compliment considering the number of goalkeepers Howe has coached across his career.
Newcastle have missed that presence during Pope’s absence, and Howe made no attempt to hide how badly he wants him back.
What was shaping up to be the most talked-about team selection dilemma of the season was taken out of Howe’s hands by the timing of Pope’s injury. Fans and pundits were preparing for a heated debate over whether the manager would keep faith with Ramsdale or restore Pope as soon as he became available.
But with Pope sidelined, the discussion instantly shifted, leaving Howe unable or unwilling to reveal what he would have done had both been fit.
When asked whether Pope’s injury made the decision easier, Howe dismissed the idea. From his perspective, every selection choice is important, and he insists he approaches each one with the same level of care.
He described the notion of a dramatic showdown between the two keepers as far removed from reality. What he felt most, he said, was disappointment disappointment for Pope, who had worked hard to return, and disappointment for the squad, who need their senior goalkeeper’s presence.
The uncertainty around Pope’s fitness now casts a shadow over the upcoming match against Spurs. Newcastle will want stability at the back, especially against a side known for fast attacking play, but Howe may have no option but to rely on Ramsdale again.
The situation reflects the odd mixture of confidence and concern that has hovered over Newcastle’s season: strong performances mixed with frustrating injuries at the worst possible times.
Still, Howe’s confidence in both goalkeepers remains clear. Ramsdale has proven he can step in and deliver, while Pope continues to command the trust and admiration of the entire dressing room.
For now, all Newcastle can do is wait, hope Pope recovers quickly, and prepare for another difficult test one that may again depend on Ramsdale stepping up when the team needs him most.
