Wednesday 30 March 2016 16:28, UK
Newcastle United's Premier League survival hopes have been dealt a severe blow with the news goalkeeper Rob Elliot requires surgery on his injured knee and is out for a minimum of six months.
Elliot was carried off whilst playing for the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Tuesday, having injured his knee whilst trying to block Miroslav Stoch's opening goal in their Euro 2016 warm-up game against Slovakia. Republic boss Martin O'Neill confirmed after the match it was a "serious knee injury".
Newcastle confirmed the extent of the injury on Wednesday afternoon, saying in a statement: Newcastle United can confirm that goalkeeper Rob Elliot has sustained an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament.
"Rob has returned to Newcastle and has been assessed this morning by the Club's doctor. He will now commence a programme of treatment and rehabilitation.
"Regrettably, the severity of this injury will rule Rob out for a number of months.
"Everyone connected with Newcastle United wishes Rob the very best for his recovery.
The injury has also ruled Elliot out of the European Championships.
The news is a huge blow for Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez, with the club currently second from bottom in the Premier League, three points away from safety.
Newcastle face Norwich City this weekend in a crucial match in the relegation battle, having already lost first choice goalkeeper Tim Krul for the remainder of the season with a knee injury of his own.
Benitez now faces using inexperienced goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who has played only twice for the club since signing for them in August 2014, or 19 year old Fred Woodman.
The availability of those two 'keepers means Newcastle would be unable to approach the Premier League about signing an emergency goalkeeper, as they have two fit professionals available.
England goalkeeper Jack Butland, who suffered his own season-ending injury against Germany on Saturday, tweeted his sympathy to Elliot on Wednesday afternoon, writing: "mate, gutted for you and wish you a solid recovery! you can come round mine and we can watch the euros together! head up mate!"
