Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul could face five-week absence

Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul is facing up to five weeks on the sidelines with his ankle injury.

The 24-year-old Holland international visited a specialist earlier this week after leaving the Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv on crutches last Thursday night following a challenge by striker Jonathan Cristaldo in Newcastle's Europa League match.

Manager Alan Pardew said: "His ankle is still a little bit swollen. We think (he will be out for a) maximum four weeks, five weeks, but we are hoping for less than that."

With 37-year-old Steve Harper struggling with a back problem, Rob Elliot was handed a Barclays Premier League debut in Sunday's 4-2 victory over Southampton, and he will continue at Swansea on Saturday.

However, captain Fabricio Coloccini is rated as doubtful for the game after suffering a back injury against the Saints.

Source : http://www.football.co.uk/newcastle_united/newcastle_goalkeeper_tim_krul_could_face_five-week_absence_rss3778357.shtml