Steve Harper out for 12 weeks
Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper is expected to be out of action for 12 weeks after damaging the ligaments in his shoulder in last week’s Premier League match with Everton. It is a great disappointment for both Harper and his team.
The goalkeeper had successful surgery on his shoulder and will now be out for up to three months, meaning that he will be likely to return only in mid-December. Harper's career has been dogged with injuries, and this is another cruel blow for the 35-year-old.
The goalkeeper had only just taken over as the Newcastle first choice goalkeeper after years of spending time on the bench as Shay Given’s cover. Since Given left for Manchester City, Harper has been injury free, and has played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s
successful campaign in the Championship. He has started all of Newcastle’s Premier League matches this season.
Tim Krul is set to deputize in the absence of Harper. The 20-year- old replaced the injured Harper during the Everton game and played in the 4-3 win over Chelsea in the Carling Cup. Despite the win, Newcastle manager Chris Hughton was concerned by the number
of goals conceded. But Hughton will keep the Dutch goalkeeper in nets for the time being.
Shay Given had been linked to a return to his old club, but Hughton ruled out such a move and seems convinced that Krul is an able replacement. The Swedish 20-year-old, Ole Soderberg, has been moved to the bench as a cover for Krul.
Hughton commented on the incident, in which Everton’s Jermaine Beckford challenged Harper, causing the goalkeeper to be injured. Talking about the challenge he said that it “…didn’t need to have been made. Steve Harper was always getting there first.” Beckford
received a yellow card for the challenge.
Tags: