Fresh Newcastle United training ground injury rules 'brilliant' player out of six matches

The 30-year-old had featured in every matchday squad this campaign but didn’t travel to the City Ground last weekend, where the Magpies claimed a 3-1 win at Nottingham Forest.

Krafth sustained the problem in training as per Mail Sport, the initial prognosis is six to eight weeks recovery time. The reports add that he is expected to be back running in three to four weeks but is almost certain to miss the next six games at least.

There is, however, a possibility that Krafth may not return until the New Year.

Krafth has made six appearances for Newcastle this season, first filling in at centre-back when Fabian Scharserved a three-match ban. His most recent performance in the Carabao Cup win against Chelsea earned big praised from Eddie Howe.

"He's just such an unassuming, brilliant professional - really hard working, so dependable,” said Howe. When you meet him, you instantly like him.

"He is a very good player and underrated by the outside world. Internally, we love him, and you can see his qualities. We really value him."

Newcastle will be light on defensive options when they host West Ham United after the international break.

Dan Burn is forced to serve a one-match ban after receiving his fifth yellow card of the league season at Forest. That will likely see summer signing Lloyd Kelly handed a start alongside Schar at centre-back.

Schar too is walking a disciplinary tightrope as he too is one booking away from suspension. Meanwhile, Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman aren’t expected to be available until the New Year as they enter the latter stages of their recovery from an ACL injury.