Newcastle United’s problems went from bad to worse on Sunday, as goalkeeper Tim Krul was ruled out for the rest of the season with a ruptured cruciate ligament. The club’s official Twitter feed revealed the news:
Newcastle United FC @NUFCINJURY NEWS: @TimKrul ruled out for the rest of the season with ruptured cruciate ligament.
The Dutchman picked up the injury on international duty with the Netherlands on Saturday, falling awkwardly after plucking the ball from the air against Kazakhstan.
Newcastle released a statement on their official website revealing that Krul will return to the club to begin his road to recovery: “Krul will now return to Tyneside for further treatment and rehabilitation and everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery.”
The Magpies currently sit bottom of the Premier League and are still without a victory to their name, while their 6-1 demolition at the hands of Manchester City before the international break only added to the pressure on manager Steve McClaren.
And the fact that he’ll now be without his No. 1 stopper will only increase said pressure. Broadcaster Ian Abrahams reflected on how big a blow the injury is to Newcastle’s chances of Premier League survival:
Ian Abrahams (Moose) @BroadcastMooseAwful news for @NUFC and Tim Krul, out for the whole season after suffering a cruciate ligament injury for Holland last night
The club have suffered from a long list of absentees throughout the season so far, and Krul’s stint on the St. James’ Park treatment table only adds to their problems, as Newcastle Evening Chronicle revealed:
The Chronicle @ChronicleNUFC#NUFC's injured XI: Tim Krul adds his name to the growing list of sidelined Magpies
McClaren’s first test without Krul between his posts is against Norwich City on Sunday, when Rob Elliot will likely line up in the Dutchman’s absence.
Newcastle also have a solid pair of hands in the form of Karl Darlow, while Freddie Woodman has been recalled from his loan spell at Crawley Town in the wake of the news.
The Magpies have a tricky set of fixtures over the next month, including October 25’s Tyne/Wear derby against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
And without Krul there to defend Newcastle’s shaky back line, you get the sense that it could be a long season.
