Ewen Jaouen Injury Open’s Door For Nick Pope As Cup Keeper

Nick Pope could be handed a surprise return between the posts for Newcastle United when they travel to Millwall in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday night, with Ewen Jaouen’s ankle injury creating a fresh selection dilemma for head coach Matthias Jaissle.

Jaouen missed Saturday’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Bournemouth after suffering an ankle problem in training. Jaissle confirmed ahead of the trip to The Den that the young goalkeeper would face a late fitness test, with the Newcastle head coach revealing that Jaouen had twisted his ankle in training. 

The injury has potentially complicated what appeared to be a straightforward goalkeeping decision for Jaissle.

Lukas Hornicek started against Bournemouth and has already featured prominently during the early weeks of the season, while Jaouen was given the opportunity in the previous round of the Carabao Cup against West Bromwich Albion.

However, with Jaouen now a major doubt for the Millwall clash, Pope has emerged as a genuine alternative.

The former England international returned to the Newcastle substitutes’ bench for the first time this season against Bournemouth after Jaouen’s injury. Newcastle’s official match report confirmed that the training-ground injury prompted Pope’s return to the matchday squad. 

That development could now go one step further at The Den.

Pope’s situation has been one of the more intriguing aspects of Newcastle’s summer goalkeeper reshuffle. The experienced shot-stopper had appeared to be behind both Jaouen and Hornicek in the pecking order, while speculation throughout the summer had also surrounded his future at St James’ Park.

Yet the injury to Jaouen could provide Pope with an unexpected opportunity to remind Jaissle of what he can offer.

Newcastle are expected to rotate their squad for the Carabao Cup encounter, although reports suggest the German coach has plenty of options available to him after strengthening his squad during the summer. 

There is also an argument for retaining Hornicek, who has already gained valuable experience in Jaissle’s system. The Czech goalkeeper’s ability with the ball at his feet is particularly relevant given the manager’s emphasis on building from the back.

However, a physical away trip to Millwall represents a very different challenge from a controlled cup environment.

That could make Pope an attractive option.

His experience, commanding presence and familiarity with English football could prove valuable in what promises to be an intense atmosphere at The Den. Millwall have already shown strong form at home and will be looking to make the most of Newcastle potentially fielding a much-changed side.

The match will also represent Newcastle’s first competitive meeting with Millwall in 33 years, adding another layer of intrigue to the occasion. 

While Jaouen’s injury is not believed to be a long-term concern, his absence has undoubtedly changed the goalkeeping equation.

Jaissle will therefore have to decide whether to stick with Hornicek, who is already familiar with the demands of the new system, or turn to Pope and give the veteran goalkeeper his first competitive start of the campaign.

For Pope, it could be an opportunity that seemed unlikely only a few days ago.

Having spent the summer facing uncertainty over his Newcastle future, the 34-year-old could now find himself back in the starting XI for a cup tie with a chance to make an impression on his new manager.

Jaouen’s fitness will ultimately determine how much of a decision Jaissle has to make. But should the French goalkeeper fail to recover in time, the door has undoubtedly been opened for Pope.

And after watching from the sidelines during the opening weeks of the season, the experienced goalkeeper may now have a chance to step through it.