Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper out for three months
Harper had to be carried off on a stretcher at Goodison Park
Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper has been ruled for "around 12 weeks" after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Harper sustained ligament damage after landing on his left shoulder following a challenge by Jermaine Beckford during Saturday's 1-0 win at Everton.
Newcastle described Wednesday's operation as "successful" but the prognosis means Harper, 35, is unlikely to figure again until mid-December.
Tim Krul, who took over at Goodison Park, is set to continue in the role.
The 22-year-old Dutchman started Wednesday's 4-3 Carling Cup victory at Chelsea, with 20-year-old Swedish keeper Ole Soderberg named on the bench.
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Newcastle manager Chris Hughton described the challenge by Beckford, who was booked for the 35th-minute incident, as one "that didn't need to have been made".
"Steve Harper was always getting there first," Hughton added.
Harper has been with Newcastle for 16 seasons, spending 12 years as reserve to Shay Given.
After Given joined Manchester City in January 2009, Harper took over as Newcastle's first-choice keeper.
Out-of-favour Given, 34, was linked with a return to Newcastle this week after being told by manager Roberto Mancini that he can leave City, where he has been replaced as number one by Joe Hart.
"I can understand that and it is a very emotional one but no, I can say that won't be happening," he said.
Hughton insists he has no hesitation about installing Krul as his temporary number one and has decided not to seek an emergency replacement, in the short term at least.
Krul made his senior debut for the club as a 19-year-old in a Uefa Cup tie against Palermo in Sicily in November 2006, where he performed brilliantly.
Although chances since have been rare, Hughton insists he can provide more than adequate cover during Harper's enforced absence.
"That confidence has really been built on not just the fact that when he has come in, he has done very well, but on what we have seen here from him over the period of time he has been here," he said.
"That's the biggest aspect because we haven't seen him so much as regards the first team on the football pitch.
"But we are very confident in his ability and we are quite sure he will cope very well."
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