Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Harper missing for three months

24 Sep 2010 - 07:07:57

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Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper will be out of action for up to 12 weeks following shoulder surgery.

Harper, 35, was injured during last weekend's 1-0 victory over Everton following a collision with Jermaine Beckford.

The veteran keeper landed awkwardly on his shoulder and was stretchered off with what manager Chris Hughton described as a ligament injury.

"Following a shoulder ligament injury sustained in United's game against Everton last Saturday, Steve Harper has undergone a successful operation," revealed a club spokesperson.

"It is likely that Steve will be unavailable for selection for a period of around 12 weeks."

Tim Krul will step into the breach in Harper's absence with the 22-year-old set to start against Stoke City at St James' Park on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Swedish youngster Ole Soderberg will step up to the first-team squad.