Newcastle United have been hit with a string of defensive injuries ahead of this weekend’s match against Everton with Tim Krul, Fabricio Colocinni, Danny Simpson all ruled out and midfielder Cheik Tiote remains doubtful.



Goalkeeper Tim Krul and captain Fabricio Coloccini were injured whilst on international duty for their respective countries, while Danny Simpson continues to recover from the injury he picked up vs. Aston Villa.

Goalkeeper Tim Krul has been ruled out for “two or three games” after picking up an elbow injury on international duty with Holland and it is expected that veteran stopper and loyal servant Steve Harper will deputise in his absence.

Danny Simpson is also expected to lose his race to regain fitness as he bids to shake off the hamstring injury he sustained during the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa. Simpson, who undertook a scan to gauge the seriousness of the injury, is expected to return for the Europa League tie against Cypriot outfit Maritimo at the very earliest.

Versatile Vurnon Anita is expected to revert to right full back while usual back-up Ryan Taylor undergoes surgery for the cruciate ligament injury he sustained during the second leg of Newcastle’s Europa League qualifying tie against Atromitos.

Coloccini picked up his injury early last week whilst training with his Argentinian team mates and has not trained since. Coloccini was unable to play in Argentina’s qualifier versus Peru and was allowed to return to Newcastle where he would be assessed by the medical team on Tyneside.

Either Mike Williamson or James Perch are expected to partner Steven Taylor at the heart of the Newcastle defence next Monday at Goodison Park.

This string of injuries, in particular affecting the Newcastle defence, will decimate the Newcastle line-up to it’s bare bones and the lack of transfer activity over the summer in bulking up the squad will once again be questioned by many Newcastle fans, and rightly so.

Newcastle were linked with a host of defenders during the summer window, namely Douglas Teixeira & Mathieu Debuchy, two players who I’am sure Alan Pardew wishes he signed now, if he wasn’t already doing so.