Newcastle's Ryan Taylor may miss next season after injury setback

Tim Krul and Ryan Taylor (GETTY IMAGES)

In a cruel blow, Newcastle's Ryan Taylor has suffered a recurrence of the cruciate knee ligament injury which has kept him out of action for the last eight months – just as he was set to return. The 28-year-old midfielder could now miss most, if not all, of next season.

Taylor first injured his knee in the Europa League victory over Atromitos last August. He underwent surgery shortly afterwards and has been battling to regain full fitness ever since.

Taylor, who has played 91 times for Newcastle since moving from Wigan in 2009, recently returned to training and has even spent time with the first-team squad as the club attempted to boost his morale after such a long spell out of action.

"Everyone at the club is deeply saddened by this news," said manager Alan Pardew. "Ryan has worked so hard and diligently since his injury. He has been a model patient and has given his all to ensure he could return to full training in the best condition possible. Ryan has, and will continue to, receive the full support of everyone at Newcastle United during this difficult time."

Taylor's team-mate Tim Krul is also set to undergo surgery on Monday. The Dutch goalkeeper dislocated his shoulder in Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby and will miss the rest of this season.