Newcastle United rocked by injury blow as ‘Mr Dependable’ ruled out until new year
Newcastle United could be without Emil Krafth until January following further assessment of his collar bone.
The Swede missed the 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest after being on the bench for United’s previous seven Premier League fixtures. Renewed praise for Krafth came following September’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, with many pinpointing the game as the moment his Toon career came full circle.
Newcastle have given Krafth one-year extensions for two consecutive seasons. A flop during his early days on Tyneside, the 30-year-old has become a useful utility man.
Eddie Howe hailed Krafth as a crucial part of his squad earlier this season. He said: “He’s just such an unassuming, brilliant professional. He is really hard-working (and) so dependable.
“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."
However, the defender will now serve a spell on the sidelines after a freak incident at the club’s training ground before the Forest clash. He did not travel with the squad for the mid-season trip to Saudi Arabia.
NewcastleWorld now understands Krafth will miss the festive period and may not feature again until the new year. The news serves as a blow for Howe, whose defensive department already looks light.
Kieran Trippier has been sidelined since the goalless draw with Everton on October 5. At centre-back, Krafth’s other position, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are yet to recover from ACL tears.
Dan Burn is also suspended for this weekend’s game against West Ham United. Providing both stay fit, Fabian Schar and Lloyd Kelly appear likely to start the fixture.