Rob Elliot has started to find form as Tim Krul’s successor, but an injury could leave Newcastle fans glancing wistfully at the visiting bench.
Tim Krul departed Newcastle United for Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer as first team opportunities became limited at St James’ Park.
The Netherlands international had been Newcastle’s number one for a number of years, but injuries affected his chances of a regular starting spot under Rafa Benitez.
And, as Rob Elliot and then Karl Darlow established themselves ahead of Krul in the pecking order, the Magpies felt able to allow the goalkeeper to move on.
But Krul will return to Tyneside with Brighton on Saturday with Newcastle in the midst of an emerging goalkeeping crisis.
Elliot is injured and Darlow is struggling for form, meaning – with Matz Sels out on loan – Freddie Woodman could be called in for his very first Premier League appearance.
Ironically, Krul is unlikely to even feature for the visitors as he remains on the bench behind Mat Ryan, further frustrating home supporters that would love to see the 29-year-old in the home goal.
If Darlow or Woodman make costly errors this weekend, Benitez could well be left wondering whether he should have stuck with Krul.
The keeper was never given a chance by Benitez and although he may not get the opportunity to prove the Spaniard wrong, a mistake from a former team-mate would do exactly that.
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