Emil Krafth has not started a Premier League game for [Newcastle United](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/newcastle-united-fc) since September but the versatile and reliable defender could be drafted in at the Emirates Stadium this weekend. The Swede emerged from the bench for a solid showing against Chelsea on Sunday and is expected to play a big part in his side's last two fixtures.
Krafth is United's fifth-choice centre-back and third choice right-back, yet such is the injury crisis unfolding on Tyneside, there is a real chance he starts against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon. This all depends on how Eddie Howe decides to line up in Newcastle's penultimate game.
We know, for sure, that Kieran Trippier will be sidelined for the north London clash, which means either Krafth, Tino Livramento or Jacob Murphy will be used on the right of United's backline. Livramento is already filling in at left-back for the injured Lewis Hall, while Murphy struggled in a flat back four in the second-half of the Chelsea win, despite excelling in that position when Newcastle opted for five defenders earlier in the tie.
There's always a chance Howe could again decide three central defenders and two wing-backs is the way to go, which would see Krafth and Lascelles in a straight shootout for a spot at the heart of the backline alongside Fabian Schar and Dan Burn.
"You're always gonna get one or two injuries, but yeah, I think we're in the position with our squad where if you get, and sometimes that can happen, a run of injuries and it can look thin very quickly, so fingers crossed we can maintain our strength to the end," [Howe said of injuries on Friday.](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/eddie-howe-newcastle-united-live-31653113)
Krafth played the final 25 minutes of the win over Chelsea last time out, with his introduction allowing Murphy to move further up the pitch into his natural right-wing position. During his cameo, the defender helped nullify the Blues' growing threat down the left and even threw himself into off the ball scuffles, notably squaring up to Levi Colwill and exchanging tense words with a clearly angry Cole Palmer.
“I thought Emil did really well," Howe said of his performance. “It was a difficult time for any defender to come onto the pitch with so much at stake. He used his vast experience and delivered a strong performance.”
Krafth is under contract at St James' Park until 2026 and is poised to remain a valued squad player in Howe's dressing room next season.