Krul Making Good Progress

By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor

Tim Krul is hoping to step up his recovery from a ruptured anterior ligament over the next few days - but has not set a date for his return.

The goalkeeper suffered the season-ending blow while playing for Holland against Kazakhstan in October and has been on crutches ever since.

But, having undergone surgery to repair the damage, he's making good progress and was able to attend last weekend's game against Liverpool, watching from the stands as United won 2-0.

It was the first time that he'd set foot in St. James' Park since the injury, although he has been a frequent visitor to the Club's training ground.

"I wasn't able to bend my leg for the first couple of months, but I'm more mobile now so I get to see the games again," he told nufc.co.uk in an exclusive interview this week.

"I think it helps. Obviously I'm missing it massively - it's not the same watching it on telly - so it's nice to be back with the lads.

"It was nice to be back in the changing room with the boys. It's a weird feeling; obviously I would like to be part of it, but that's part of the business - you get injuries.

"But it was a great way to win and bounce back. Liverpool at home is always a big game and I felt the fans were up for it.

"It was nearly a full house and they got right behind the lads. I think the effort was great, so overall it was a great performance."

Krul has been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation over the last few weeks, and the 27-year-old is hoping for more good news very soon.

"It's nearly two months since the op and I'm coming off crutches in the next few days," he said.

"I'm seeing the surgeon this week, so hopefully he's going to give me the green light to kick on my recovery.

"I'll be allowed to drive then - that'll be nice, to get out of the house and give my wife a break. It'll be good just to get more mobile, really."

But although that would be a big step in the right direction, Krul added: "We need to look at it month by month.

"The thing with these injuries is you can get a setback easily. You can wake up and your knee's swollen, so you have to really be careful and respect the injury.

"Normally I try to rush back. I try to sneak a few weeks off my injuries - and the doctors here know that. But with this injury, you really can't, so I have to listen to them."

Krul had to be withdrawn after 81 minutes of the Netherlands' European Championships qualifier in Kazakhstan.

Recalling the moment that he suffered the injury as he landed awkwardly on the Asata Arena's artificial surface after collecting a cross, he said: "I felt a pop in my knee.

"I didn't know it was that extent of injury - I was hoping just for a meniscus that would only take me out for a couple of months or so, but when I came back in the changing room the doctor did a few tests on my knee and he said it was bad news.

"It's a shame that something so innocuous gave me such an injury. It's hard to take, especially as I normally throw myself around every morning on the training pitch.

"But I just have to look forward now. I've still got a long road to do but I'm just going to take it as a positive and be as strong and powerful as possible, to come back better than I was."

Krul recently celebrated ten years on Tyneside and has established himself as a firm favourite with the Newcastle supporters.

The goalkeeper received numerous messages of support on social media following his injury while some fans held up posters wishing him a speedy recovery when United played Norwich in October.

He said: "The supporters have always been great with me. I've got a great relationship with them and they've been very supportive.

"I haven't really been out so I haven't seen many of them to be honest, but when I came to the stadium on Sunday it was nice to see them and get a good response.

"They're always there and I would like to thank them for that."