Emil Krafth made just two appearances for Newcastle United this season before picking up a major injury that looks set to keep him out until next season according to Eddie Howe.
There was some hope that Emil Krafth would recover from his ruptured cruciate ligament in time to feature before the season draws to a close, but Eddie Howe‘s latest comments seem to suggest that will not be the case.
Krafth picked up the injury playing in the Carabao Cup tie against Tranmere Rovers in August and despite being back to training on grass, Howe doesn’t think he’ll be ready to play any part in Newcastle‘s run-in telling the media this morning (via The Chronicle): “Emil’s doing well. It was a nasty injury but he’s doing really well. He’s on the grass and he’s moving more fluently. I’m not sure we’ll see this season but next year. We hope he can train lightly towards the end of the season.”
Krafth was finally showing us what he could do when he got injured
It was a horrible injury for Krafth as not only did it end his season before it got going, it has also meant he’s spent the bulk of this season away from the first-team, being forced to train on his own throughout his recovery. He has been involved in club trips abroad for the warm-weather training camps, a move that Howe said should be good for his mental health if nothing else.
The biggest shame for Krafth, though, will be that he was just starting to really show what he could do for Newcastle. In the back end of last season, Kieran Trippier picked up an injury which kept him out for seven games. Krafth was entrusted by Eddie Howe to fill the void and did not let his gaffer down.
The Sweden international played his best football for the Magpies since his £5million switch from Amiens.
With that run of form which helped Newcastle to safety last season, and the fact that he’s been restricted to just two outings this season, it would be a very cruel twist of fate if Newcastle felt the need to move him on in the summer.
Newcastle will likely keep hold of Krafth for next season
Krafth is probably on the endangered list as Newcastle plan a clear-out of playing personnel in the summer, but his unfortunate situation may have granted him a stay of execution. Howe definitely likes him and given how well he performed for him last season he’ll likely want to keep him around, his comments this morning certainly hinted that he’d be here next term, too.
It’s more likely we’ll see Javier Manquillo moved on in the summer and Krafth will stay. However, there’s still a chance that Howe moves to bring in another right-back, despite having signed Harrison Ashby from West Ham in January.
I definitely think Krafth has earned a chance to stay and prove himself for Howe after his form last year.
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