Thursday 11 December 2014 17:09, UK
Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot could be out until February, according to manager Alan Pardew.
Elliot was withdrawn at half-time during last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea with a thigh injury.
With Tim Krul also ruled out until mid-January, Jak Alnwick - who deputised so ably against Chelsea last weekend - will retain his place for the Sky Live Saturday evening game at Arsenal this weekend.
Pardew said: “Rob Elliot will be out for six or seven games. Jak Alnwick will start in goal at Arsenal and we wish him well.
"He's had a great start and has fitted in very well. He has worked very hard in the background but never had an opportunity I have great faith in him but he will need a lot of luck as well, particularly in that crucial position. He deserves a bit of luck because he is a cracking lad and I’m very proud of him.
‘His contract is up at end of season and this puts him in a great position if he plays really well in the next seven game, and makes it more difficult for us when it comes to contract negotiations. That is definitely in Jak's court.
"There will be no Rolando Aarons or Davide Santon. We are pretty much where we were for Chelsea in terms of injuries.”
Having ended Chelsea's unbeaten start to the campaign last week, Pardew will be hoping for another positive performance as his rejuvenated side look to continue their impressive recent run.
He said: "Arsenal has not been a happy hunting ground for us in recent years. The games at St James' Park have been tight, and we hope this one is too.
"Arsene Wenger has done an unbelievable job at Arsenal and in some ways their stadium should be named after him."
Watch Arsenal tackle Newcastle in the Saturday night football on Sky Sports 1 from 5.30pm
