Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul could face joint Premier League leaders Chelsea on Saturday after missing the last six weeks with a damaged ankle.

The 26-year-old is playing in a behind-closed-doors under-21 friendly against Celtic on Thursday.

Magpies caretaker boss John Carver said the Dutchman would be available for the weekend if he came through the game.

Krul has missed 10 games since suffering ligament damage before a 1-0 defeat by West Ham on 29 November.

Newcastle, 10th in the table, have been hit by problems with keepers this season.
Former Charlton stopper Rob Elliot, 28, started three matches after Krul was injured.

But Elliot was injured in the 2-1 home win over Chelsea on 6 December, paving the way for 21-year-old Magpies youth product Jak Alnwick to make his debut.

Alnwick has started all seven games since.