Newcastle United Injury Update: Krul Out, Santon May Return

Newcastle United announced Thursday that Tim Krul will not make the trip to Southampton for Saturday's match because of a knee injury. Fortunately for the Toon, Rob Elliot returned to the bench against Everton and should be available to start in goal.

Elliot might have a bit of help in front of him, as Davide Santon may be available following a long absence with his own knee problem. He will reportedly face a late fitness test. (The Chronicle)

The Chronicle characterizes Newcastle's left back situation as a "battle," which may or may not suggest that Paul Dummett's starting spot is in trouble. Prior to Santon's injury, he was a favorite whipping boy of many fans for his inefficiency in attack. Now that the club is faced with the opposite situation (a left back who gets involved on the offensive end but is a liability in the defensive third), I wonder how many of those same fans will welcome him back with open arms?

The article in The Chronicle also briefly mentions Loic Remy and Mathieu Debuchy, basically saying that they aren't ready yet. Remy remains on track for a return on 5 April, while Debuchy's estimate of a week later may be a bit optimistic. Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has done reasonably well at right back, in my opinion, but something must be done up front until Loic Remy returns. Now that Tim Krul is out, I fear a rather lopsided result at the hand of the Saints this weekend.