Newcastle United defender ruled out until 2025 after training ground blow as chance arises

Newcastle United could be without Emil Krafth until early 2025 after the player's collar bone injury was assessed at Benton.

The Sweden international was missing from the Newcastle squad that beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 last week before it emerged he'd been hurt at the club's Benton training base. Krafth is definitely out for the immediate future and not set for a comeback until early next year, with the festive period looking like a non-starter.

As reported by Chronicle Live last week, with Dan Burn suspended for the next game against West Ham and Krafth injured, Lloyd Kelly is set for his big chance. Krafth's presence in the squad has been crucial for Eddie Howe in the last few seasons but now the back-up star's absence could see young Irishman Alex Murphy step up to the plate.

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Speaking on Krafth's qualities Howe said: "He's been playing centre-half now for a while, we started that work with him at the back end of last season when we saw that as a position he could play in and play very well.

"He did that against Manchester United last year in the Carabao Cup, he was magnificent that night. It's an area that we see Emil developing more in as his career goes on with us but having that dual role is key - similar to the qualities Lloyd Kelly has in terms of playing both positions."

And while Burn is suspended for the West Ham game he was not spotted in the open training session in Riyadh on Saturday.