Newcastle United keeper Tim Krul has admitted that he is desperate to return to action for his side's Premier League match against Chelsea.

The 26-year-old has been out for the past six weeks with an ankle injury as the Magpies were put into a keeping crisis when deputy Rob Elliot was also ruled out of contention.

Jak Alnwick started the club's last eight matches, but Krul is ready to retake his place between the sticks for John Carver's men for their trip to Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.

He told the club's official website: "My ankle is feeling really good. It's strong and I'm not feeling any problem at all. I'm not a good watcher at the best of times, and even worse when results aren't going our way.

"It's hard because you want to be part of the team, but hopefully I can be again now.

"There's two big games coming up - Chelsea away and Southampton at home. Chelsea is especially tough but we beat them at home so we know what we have to do."

Newcastle became the first team to beat Chelsea this season in their match at St James' Park in December.