Nick Pope has revealed that it was a penalty from defender Matt Targett that began last season’s injury torment and threatened Newcastle’s Champions League ambitions.
The goalkeeper was forced to play through the pain barrier as his finger kept on dislocating during training and matches.
Pope underwent surgery as soon as Champions League football was confirmed and, after returning to full training in the United States last month, is now ready to start the new season.
‘Once Champions League was assured on the Monday night against Leicester, I was off to Wigan, of all places, to get surgery the next day,’ he said.