Nick Pope is set to be out for FOUR MONTHS after picking up a shoulder injury in win over Man United

Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope faces around four months on the sidelines as he prepares for shoulder surgery.

The England international dislocated his left shoulder during Saturday’s 1-0 Premier League win over Manchester United and head coach Eddie Howe has accepted he will be without it for much of the rest of the season.

“We expect him to undergo surgery,” the Magpies manager said. “There is no doubt he needs surgery so he will be out for some time, we think about four months.”

Earlier this week, Mail Sport reported that the Magpies were considering a shock move for free agent David de Gea as a potential replacement.

Howe, however, played down the rumors, insisting: “We really believe in Martin Dubravka – I’ve always had such a high opinion of him. Martin is a high-class goalkeeper.”

The Newcastle goalkeeper dislocated his left shoulder during the 1-0 win over Manchester United.

Pope can be seen with his arm in a bandage as he leaves a restaurant in Cheshire on Monday.

Asked about his goalkeeper’s injury, Howe added: “It’s a big blow for us, but we expected it after the game as soon as you saw the dislocation.” In fact, we feared the worst.

“I think he’s been in the best shape he’s been since he’s been at the football club… naturally he’s not in the state of the season when we have so many games, important games coming up.”

“Obviously he has the Euros ahead of him, which he still has a chance at, but I think his main goal is to get back to us.”

“It was another strange injury for us. There was no reason for it to happen at that moment… but his jump was a little different and unfortunately we suffered another injury to a huge player.”

There are rumors that free agent David de Gea could replace Pope at Newcastle.

With Pope out for a long period due to injury, Martin Dubravka will get his chance.