Newcastle United midfielder Ryan Taylor has suffered a second cruciate knee-ligament injury which is expected to rule him out until the end of the next season.

Taylor has played just three times this season after the first knee problem in August in the Europa League play-off against Atromitos ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

The 28 year old recently returned to training but has suffered a relapse in his recovery, an injury which could see the ex-Wigan Athletic man miss the whole of the 2013/14 season.

Ryan Taylor
Taylor is likely to miss the whole of next season.

"After making good progress over the past eight months and having just returned to training, this latest news is a massive blow to the popular player," a Newcastle statement read.

"It is likely that Taylor will miss the majority, if not all, of next season."

Manager Alan Pardew said: "Ryan has worked so hard and diligently since his injury.

"He has been a model patient and has given his all to ensure he could return to full training in the best condition possible. Clearly everyone at the Club is deeply saddened by this news.

"Ryan has, and will continue to, receive the full support of everyone at Newcastle United during this difficult time for him."

Since joining Newcastle in 2008, Taylor has made 91 appearances, scoring 10 goals but this recent setback puts in jeopardy the rest of his career.

The blow has been compounded by the confirmation that goalkeeper Tim Krul, who was substituted in the Tyne-wear derby defeat to Sunderland on Sunday, won't return to training until July after dislocating his shoulder.

The Dutchman was replaced by Rob Elliot after 57 minutes at St James' Park, with Pardew fearing the 25 year old could miss the rest of the campaign.

And Pardew's worst fears have been realised heading into the sharp end of the season which sees Newcastle just five points above the relegation zone.

"Tim has dislocated and is definitely out for the season," Pardew said on Sunday.