Newcastle dealt Krul blow

Newcastle United's worst fears have been realised after goalkeeper Tim Krul was ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.

The 27-year-old will play no further part in the Magpies' 2015/16 campaign after injury scans revealed the severity of the injury to his right knee.

Krul is nursing a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, an injury that requires a lengthy and diligent recovery process.

The news comes at the worst possible time for the Magpies, who prop up the foot of the Premier League table after collecting just three points from their opening eight Premier League fixtures.

Krul's absence leaves under-fire Newcastle manager Steve McClaren with a severe selection headache, as back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow is still some weeks away from returning from an ankle injury.

As such, third-choice keeper Rob Elliot will fill the breach when the Magpies lock horns with Norwich City at St James' Park on Sunday, while youngster Freddie Woodman will take up a place on the bench after being recalled from his loan spell at Fleetwood Town.

A statement on Newcastle United's official website read: "Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul has been ruled out for the rest of the 2015/16 Premier League season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

"The Dutch international had to be withdrawn after 81 minutes of the Netherlands' European Championships qualification match at Kazakhstan's Astana Arena on Saturday evening and scans have since determined the severity of the injury.

"Krul will now return to Tyneside for further treatment and rehabilitation and everyone at the Club wishes him a speedy recovery."