Newcastle United's goalkeeper Nick Pope has been omitted from the squad, and it is now understood that this is due to injury. Despite earlier strong speculation that Pope would be dropped following a costly error in the 2-1 Champions League defeat to Marseille, his exclusion is primarily injury-related.
"Pope is understood to be injured despite strong suggestions he would be dropped after a clanger in the 2-1 defeat to Marseille in the Champions League."
Newcastle's decision clarifies the goalkeeper situation and indicates they are managing player fitness concerns. The injury to a pivotal player like Pope could impact their defensive stability in upcoming fixtures.
The omission of Nick Pope from Newcastle’s lineup is due to injury rather than a disciplinary or form-based drop, highlighting the unpredictable nature of player management in football.