Newcastle United have been handed a major injury boost with goalkeeper Nick Pope recently returning to first-team training.
The English shot-stopper has been absent since the start of December after he dislocated his shoulder during a 1-0 win against Manchester United.
Ruled out for 26 competitive matches, Pope, 32, has been a big miss for Eddie Howe who has been forced to recall Martin Dubravka.
Newcastle injury news: Nick Pope closer to return
However, according to a recent report from Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie, the Magpies’ number one is closing in on making his long-awaited return.
“Pope has started training, doing shooting drills, getting closer to return,” Downie said on X.
With just five Premier League games left to play, it remains to be seen whether or not the 32-year-old will make an appearance before the end of the season.
With sixth place European football still up for grabs, Howe will be hoping he can call upon the Soham-born keeper at some point, although Saturday’s game against bottom-place Sheffield United will certainly come too soon.
Since joining the Magpies from Burnley two years ago, Pope, who has two years left on his contract, has kept 26 clean sheets in 62 games in all competitions.