Tim Krul has been confirmed as missing the rest of the season due to a dislocated shoulder that he suffered in the Tyne-Wear derby yesterday.
This injury comes just four games after returning from the ankle injury that he sustained against Metalist Kharkiv. Indeed this news represents the luck that Newcastle have typically experienced this season with many key players having had lengthily lay offs, Ben Arfa, Cabaye and Coloccini to name few.
To reverse the common phrase, this news will have added injury to insult, as Newcastle were overrun by a passionate Sunderland, culminating in a 3-0 loss. This leaves Newcastle in a rather precarious position, 5 points above relegation, but with Wigan occupying the third relegation spot having played two games less.
Newcastle will now be forced to face the last five games of the season with back-up keeper Robert Elliot in goal. Whilst the 26 year-old Englishman is perfectly capable, as one of the top keepers in the Premier League there is no doubt that Tim Krul will be missed. Whether or not this latest injury will have a large effect on the outcome of their season, especially their battle for survival, is yet to be seen. Even if Robert Elliot is able to deputise well, there will certainly be a blow to morale nonetheless.
Above are both Krul’s and Elliot’s stats for this season. Important to note for both of these tables is that Krul has started 24 games, with Elliot starting 5 in his absence (and with one more appearance coming off the bench yesterday).
Considering that Krul has played far more games than Elliot, we can  only really compare their goals conceded per game stats, Krul’s 1.67 goals conceded per game being far superior to Elliots 2.4. Of course, goalkeeping stats must be taken with a pinch of salt, since the quality and form of the defenders in front of them will largely determine the number of goals they concede too.
Krul may have struggle for clean sheets this season but his 38-game campaign in 2011/12 proved his quality between the posts. 15 clean sheets, albeit with 14 more games, was a fantastic achievement. As was the 1.34 goals conceded per game (thanks also to a sturdier defence in part). Krul’s record may not be as impressive this year, but he will surely still be missed.
The battle for survival between Sunderland, Wigan, Stoke, Norwich, Aston Villa and Newcastle is set to be entertaining for the neutral spectator. Although Newcastle sit at the top of that pile and are arguably in the best position to reach safety, they will worry about the impact that this injury may have.
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All of the stats from this article have been taken from the Opta Stats Centre at EPLIndex.com – Subscribe Now (Includes author privileges!) Check out our new Top Stats feature on the Stats Centre which allows you to compare all players in the league & read about new additions to the stats centre.[/box_light]
