Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper may need surgery on injured knee

EPL : Steve Harper, Everton vs Newcastle United (Getty Images)

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Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper looks likely to need surgery on his injured knee, but his manager Alan Pardew has stressed it does not signal the end of his season.

Harper, who has made 18 appearances this season and was instrumental in last season’s promotion success, missed his side’s midweek goalless draw at St James’ Park against Manchester United and will not feature against Blackpool on Saturday.

Pardew says the club are due to assess the injury in the coming weeks.

“Harper isn’t right and we will have to review him over the next couple of weeks,” he said, according to BBC Sport.

“It could be that he needs a small operation.”

Pardew does have Dutch ‘keeper Tim Krul as a replacement and third choice shot stopper Ole Soderberg will feature on the bench but the Toon boss insists it doesnt necessarily mean the end of 36 year-old Harper’s season.

He added: “It’s not a major problem, but we will have a look at that and weigh that up over the next couple of weeks.”