Norwich City manager Daniel Farke has confirmed that Tim Krul had suffered an injury in the warm-up. The Dutchman had to play through the Burnley game with pills and later sustained a back problem. His overall fitness will be assessed, but a potential spell on the sidelines could be a massive blow for the Canaries.
Tim Krul’s performance so far
Krul has featured in all six of Norwich’s Premier League matches this season. Although only bottom club Watford have conceded more goals than the Canaries so far this term, the statistics could have been far worse had it not been for the exploits of their goalkeeper.
As a matter of fact, Krul has made more saves than anyone else in the league so far. His closest competitor is Tottenham Hotspur’s Hugo Lloris, who has racked up 25 saves to Krul’s 27. Dean Henderson and Ederson only equal his tally of three saves from inside the six-yard box.
And finally, the ex-Newcastle United star has made 16 from inside the penalty area – more than anyone else in the league. Therefore, his injury will surely be a concern for Norwich City.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
What are the alternatives for Norwich?
Norwich City signed Schalke custodian Ralf Fahrmann in the summer. The German arrived with a lot of promise and expectations, having been regarded as one of the Bundesliga’s best goalkeepers.
However, the 30-year-old has struggled with a groin injury, notably missing the Burnley game. It is believed that he could be sidelined for a week or more, forcing Farke to rely on other options.
Third choice-keeper Michael McGovern is that other option. The veteran goalkeeper was on the bench in the game against Burnley on the weekend.
He is quite an experienced ‘keeper, but most of his appearances has come in the Scottish second division. He has also played very little football, having made only five competitive appearances for Norwich within the past two seasons.
Should Norwich sign a new goalkeeper?
With both Krul and Fahrmann struggling with injury and McGovern not really a reliable option, Norwich City should jump into the market to sign a new goalkeeper in January.
However, they need to make sure they don’t sign anyone expensive as the new ‘keeper will likely play third fiddle to Krul and Fahrmann. A young or a veteran star might do the trick. Or better yet, the Canaries should offer one of their best academy goalkeepers a promotion to the senior side.
