Newcastle United stopper Nick Pope will take part in light training for the foreseeable future, while Joe Willock is closing in on a return to full fitness. The Magpies duo both picked up injuries at the business end of the campaign as Eddie Howe's side secured Champions League football.
Pope brought forward much-needed hand surgery when Newcastle secured their place in the top four with one game to spare. The goalkeeper was back at the club's Benton HQ this week but won't be saving any shots just yet.
“Nick’s doing well, so he won’t train with us initially with his hands, but I think he can go out and do some footwork,” Howe told the club's media channels.
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Willock picked up a nasty hamstring injury before the end of the campaign but has worked hard over the off-season to ensure he is in peak physical condition for his return, regularly uploading clips of gym work to social media recently.
“Joe Willock, again, I don’t think is too far away from full training. He’s not there yet, but making good progress with his hamstring injury," Howe continued.
There is further good news for Howe given that Sean Longstaff has fully recovered from the ankle injury he picked up at Everton in April. Meanwhile, Jamal Lewis was back at Darsley Park this week after being forced to withdraw from international duty with Northern Ireland last month.
One negative is that Emil Krafth still isn't available. The Swedish right-back picked up a nasty knee injury 11 months ago but isn't expected to feature for Newcastle before the start of the Premier League campaign.
