Newcastle United star ruled out until March - and reveals ‘mixed feelings’ on Alexander Isak’s arrival

Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth experienced ‘mixed feelings’ on the day Alexander Isak was confirmed as the club’s record signing.

The Sweden full-back was delighted to see his international team-mate complete a reported £58million move to Tyneside on Friday afternoon and admitted it was ‘nice’ to see Isak become part of Eddie Howe’s squad.

But announcement on Isak’s arrival was preceded by the news Krafth is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after he suffered a serious injury in the recent Carabao Cup win at Tranmere Rovers.

The 28-year-old has damaged his anterior cruciate ligament and discovered the severity of the injury prior to Isak’s unveiling as the latest addition to the Magpies squad.

Understandably, that left Krafth reeling from a day of ‘mixed feelings’.

He told Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen: “It was hard to wait for the result. Last Friday I got the results and it came as a shock.

“Even if you fear the worst, it is difficult to receive such a message. You had a slight feeling it might be serious because I heard that click.

“We had lunch at the facility last Friday. Then there was half an hour left until Isak was to be presented. At the same time, there was half an hour left before I got the message. It was very mixed feelings. But it’s nice that Isak is here and it will be nice to see him in Newcastle.”

Krafth shared his devastation with United supporters via his social media accounts as he awaited news on the injury.

However, as the prognosis sinks in, he has now set his sights on returning during the final months of the season.

“They say that the rehab period is usually around six to nine months. If it’s six months, it’s sometime in March. I’m aiming to get back before this season is over.

“Then it’s hard to say exactly because it’s the first time I’ve suffered an injury like this. You want to be 100% when you return to play. I hope to be back for the last two months of the season.”