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Newcastle United have been rocked by the news that Rob Elliot has suffered a “serious injury” while on international duty.

The 29-year-old was rushed to hospital after landing awkwardly on his knee just 15 minutes into the Republic of Ireland’s 2-2 draw with Slovakia.

Ireland boss Martin O’Neill confirmed after the game that Elliot had suffered a “serious injury”, and he is now certain to miss Newcastle’s crucial trip to Norwich City on Saturday.

Potentially his season, and even his hopes of playing at Euro 2016, are now over.

The news will come as a significant blow to Rafa Benitez ahead of this crucial game.

Commenting on the injury to Elliot after the game, O’Neill said: “It’s not great.

“He’s got a serious injury, so it’s a real disappointment and puts a dampener on the evening.”

Elliot has already been deputising for the Magpies due to the season-ending knee injury which Dutch international Tim Krul suffered in October, also on international duty.

Karl Darlow is now set to start this weekend’s crucial Premier League clash against fellow relegation rivals Norwich City at Carrow Road.

England Under-19 international Freddie Woodman is also likely now to take his place on the bench, despite having yet to make his Magpies debut.

Elliot’s injury blow adds to the selection issues Benitez is already facing, with the club without a recognised left-back again for the must-win game, while skipper Fabricio Coloccini is also expected to be ruled out.

Darlow has started just one Premier League game all season, and many feel he was at fault for West Bromwich Albion’s winner at The Hawthorns in December.