Krul was injured during Tuesday's Scottish Cup defeat at Pittodrie

Top-scorer Michael Higdon is also out due to a knee problem, which has left Hughes cursing his luck.

"Over the last month injuries have hampered us," he said. "Higdon picked up that knee injury and now Krul.

"They are big injuries that's going to keep them out for a while but there's nothing you can do about it."

Interview: Falkirk manager John Hughes

Krul has been a big hit since he joined on loan from Newcastle at the beginning of the season.

But the enforced absence of the teenager from Holland will allow Austrian Under-21 international Robert Olejnik the chance to shine.

Olejnik joined the Bairns from Aston Villa in the summer but has started just one match.

He played for the final 17 minutes at Pittodrie on Tuesday when Krul was carried off after a double save from Scott Severin's penalty at Pittodrie.

Despite Krul's heroics, Falkirk were dumped 3-1 in the Scottish Cup tie.

Following the defeat, Hughes hinted that he will need to add new faces to his squad as he criticised the lack of character shown by his team.

"I don't think we showed a lot of resilience in the first half. It's not like my side, we've certainly dipped that's for sure," he said.

"I don't think I've got enough character in my dressing room, so I need to get a couple of guys in that have got a bit about themselves.

"I think when the going gets tough for us I think one or two throw the towel in.

"I need guys who will stand up and be counted, and that was lacking tonight."