Yahoo News Double Newcastle United fear eased after 'nothing is impossible' message
Emil Krafth has backed both Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman to come back "even stronger" from their long-term knee injuries.
The Newcastle United defensive star knows exactly what it is like to suffer an ACL horror injury after spending 12 months on the sidelines following an unfortunate incident away to Tranmere Rovers in the League Cup two years ago. But Krafth bounced back gradually to make 21 appearances for the Magpies and win a new contract.
Botman had to concede defeat after a season-long battle against knee trouble last term to go under the knife and potentially be out until Christmas. And club captain Lascelles was also sidelined after suffering a knee injury against West Ham in April before learning he would be a long-term fixture in the treatment room with the Dutchman.
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Krafth told Chronicle Live: "I'll always be there for them, whether in the dressing room or over the phone. As soon as I realised what happened to both Sven and Jamaal, I rang them and let them know I'm here for them.
"I have been through it and I know what it is all about. If they need anything I can help them. And remember both of them were there for me when I was injured for so long. We have a strong togetherness."
Krafth spent many a lonely afternoon in the treatment room while his team-mates trained outside and while he joined his team-mates on trips to Saudi Arabia and America for tours, he endured a 12 month gap between the Tranmere game and his comeback away to Man United in the same Carabao Cup competition.
Krafth offered encouragement to his team-mates, and reflected: "There is always life on the other side of an injury. Nothing is impossible. They will both come back and they will both be stronger for it. You just have to give it the time to heal and everything, but they will be fine."
The Sweden full-back ended up playing a bigger role in the team than many expected in the 2023/24 campaign. The 29-year-old spent time at centre-back and right-back in the run-in as the Magpies rallied to a seventh-place finish.
Krafth said: "You have to take your chance when the gaffer gives it to you. It can be difficult when you have not started games for a while but it's about taking that opportunity when it comes your way."
As Newcastle head into another campaign looking to improve, Krafth is excited to be playing alongside his international team-mate Alexander Isak again. Isak found the net 27 times for Sweden and Newcastle last season and Krafth knows there is much more to come.
Krafth said: "It is great to be able to play with Alex for club and country. Not only is he a great person, he is a great player too. I am very happy to be able to team up with him for Newcastle and Sweden. He brings so much to the team.
"He has speed, dribbles well and most importantly scores and assists. So he has been a very important signing for the club."
