Dream Team’s best goalkeeper sidelined for FIVE months – how can gaffers turn Nick Pope’s injury into an advantage?

ON Saturday, Nick Pope (£4.2m) became the first goalkeeper to reach 100 Dream Team points this season.

However, the celebration was short lived as Newcastle’s custodian dislocated his shoulder late on during his side’s 1-0 win over Manchester United at St James’ Park.

It’s since been reported the England international faces FIVE months on the sidelines.

Dream TeamPope faces a frustrating spell on the sidelines[/caption]

The Magpies have been plagued by injuries of late and this setback comes as a huge blow in what is shaping up to be an ultra competitive Premier League campaign.

Pope has once again been a reliable performer between the sticks this term, as evidenced by his century of Dream Team points.

By way of a comparison, only one other asset in his position, Andre Onana (£4m), has more than 70 points at the time of writing.

Pope is also the second-most popular keeper in the game, leaving 12.9% of gaffers in need of an urgent replacement.

While this is clearly a major headache for Eddie Howe and the Toon faithful, is it possible Dream Team bosses may be able to turn Pope’s unfortunate injury to their advantage?

GettyAll eyes on Martin Dubravka[/caption]

The 31-year-old’s absence leaves the door open for Martin Dubravka (£1.6m) to step up.

The veteran Slovak came on for Pope in the 86th minute at the weekend and will almost certainly start at Goodison Park on Thursday night and for the foreseeable future.

Only Arsenal have conceded fewer league goals than Newcastle this season and so Dubravka offers a dirt-cheap route into one of the best defensive units around.

A straight swap from Pope to the 34-year-old would immediately free up an additional £2.6m, which could potentially be invested in improvements elsewhere.

There’s no denying Pope is the superior keeper of the two and Newcastle’s chances of registering further clean sheets are reduced in his absence but many Dream Team managers will feel the price difference offers ample compensation.

Hypothetically, transferring Dubravka in for Pope for would allow enough budget to upgrade Ezri Konsa (£3m) or Thiago Silva (£3m) to the in-form Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.6m) – surely a net-positive for such a team.

GettyNewcastle have had terrible luck with injuries this season[/caption]

Granted, Gameweek 15 is a tricky one for Newcastle on paper – they travel to Spurs before hosting AC Milan.

But look further ahead and there’s every reason to be hopeful of clean sheets.

Howe’s side face Fulham, Chelsea, Luton and Nottingham Forest before the turn of the year.

Backing a cheap reserve keeper suddenly thrust into the starting line-up can yield healthy returns but gaffers only have to look at Sunday’s result at Anfield to see how such a ploy can backfire.

Caoimhin Kelleher (£1.9m) started for Liverpool against Fulham in Alisson’s (£3.7m) absence but ended up fishing the ball out of his net three times.

The Irish deputy registered just one point in what was a favourable match-up on paper as the game ended 4-3 to the Reds.

Jurgen Klopp’s side travel to Bramall Lane on Wednesday so Kelleher may yet be able to salvage Gameweek 14.

Kelleher conceded three to Fulham on SundayAP

There’s also the possibility that Dubravka will only get the nod in the short term as Newcastle will be able to sign another keeper to deputise for Pope in January if they wish.

The club could also pick up a free agent, a certain David de Gea perhaps?

Gaffers will need to keep up with the latest news regarding this situation but, at this stage, Dubravka is an appealing bargain option.