Tim Krul
Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul picked up an injury while on international duty with Netherlands Getty

Newcastle United have suffered a massive blow after their first choice goalkeeper Tim Krul was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. The Dutch international was substituted late in the second half, while playing for his national side, during the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Kazakhstan.

Krul was called in by Netherlands manager Danny Blind after first choice stopper for the national side, Jasper Cillessen pulled out during the warm-up. He will return to the Tyneside club for further treatment as Newcastle have recalled Freddie Woodman from his loan spell at Crawley Town.

A statement on Newcastle's official website read, "Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul has been ruled out for the rest of the 2015/16 Premier League season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee."

"Krul will now return to Tyneside for further treatment and rehabilitation and everyone at the Club wishes him a speedy recovery. Following Krul's injury, Freddie Woodman has been recalled from his loan spell at Crawley Town."

Rob Elliot is likely to take Krul's place in the starting lineup this season. The Daily Mail claimed that Woodman will now be the second choice keeper at St James' Park following an injury to the Dutch international.

Krul has also expressed his disappointment following the latest injury, which will see him spend the rest of the 2015/16 season on the sidelines. He tweeted saying, "I'm devastated the scan has confirmed my biggest fear that I have torn my knee cruciate playing for Holland in the game vs Kazakhstan last night. My recovery and hard world start now to fully recover."

"I'm devastated I can't play a part on the pitch to help the team turn this season around. I still believed this club can and should be up there with the top teams."

Krul's injury will only make things worse for Newcastle manager Steven McClaren. The Magpies have struggled this season under the guidance of their new manager as they sit at the bottom of the table without a win from the first eight games.