Taylor out for three months

Photo: Getty

Newcastle's hopes of survival in the English Premier League have been dealt a harsh blow by the news that central defender Steven Taylor will miss the first three months of the season.

Taylor injured his shoulder in a recent friendly against Carlisle United and the Magpies' worst fears have been confirmed with Newcastle officials ruling him out until the end of October.

The match against Carlisle was Taylor's return to football after his knee was shattered against West Bromwich Albion in January.

A club statement confirmed the news.

"Steven has had surgery on his left shoulder which he dislocated at Carlisle," it read.

"After further assessment of the injury in the past week the medical bulletin is that it will be a three-month period of rehabilitation."

Taylor has been one of Newcastle's outstanding performers in recent years and his presence will be sorely missed in the Toon defence.

The signing of the experienced Sol Campbell is sure to ease some of manager Chris Hughton's defensive worries with the former Arsenal and Spurs centre-back signing a one-year deal on Tuesday.

Newcastle has also announced the re-signing of keeper Tim Krul that will see him remain at St James Park until the end of the 2013/14 season.