Emil Krafth has revealed he was awaiting the diagnosis for his potentially season-ending injury as he welcomed Alexander Isak to Newcastle United. The record signing visited the training ground ahead of the deal being announced on Friday, and was filmed talking with his Sweden team-mate before the forward met Eddie Howe.
Krafth was awaiting news on his knee injury, having been stretchered off in the first-half of the midweek Carabao Cup win at Tranmere Rovers. The full-back suffered an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament, and the 28-year-old is now facing a long road to recovery.
Krafth admitted it was a 'devastating' setback after sharing the news with supporters on social media. The defender has expressed his delight at Isak's decision to join the Magpies, but their reunion came with 'mixed feelings' as it came during his nervous wait for an update.
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Krafth told Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen via Sport Witness: “It was hard to wait for the result. Last Friday I got the results and it came as a shock. Even if you fear the worst, it is difficult to receive such a message. You had a slight feeling it might be serious because I heard that click.
“We had lunch at the facility last Friday. Then there was half an hour left until Isak was to be presented. At the same time, there was half an hour left before I got the message. It was very mixed feelings. But it’s nice that Isak is here and it will be nice to see him in Newcastle."
Krafth signed a one-year contract extension in the summer, having impressed during an extended run in the side in the second-half of last season. The Carabao Cup tie at Prenton Park was the full-back's first start of the season, but he now faces a potential race against time to return to action for Newcastle before the end of the campaign.
The defender added: “They say that the rehab period is usually around six to nine months. If it’s six months, it’s sometime in March. I’m aiming to get back before this season is over.
“Then it’s hard to say exactly because it’s the first time I’ve suffered an injury like this. You want to be 100% when you return to play. I hope to be back for the last two months of the season.”
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