Chelsea got past Southampton in midweek courtesy of a penalty shootout and their next game is in the Premier League where they face the Magpies.
Chelsea take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park and this may be the last time the Blues are facing a minnow Magpies side. NUFC are currently 19th on the table while the Blues are sitting at the top so there’s likely to be only one outcome on Saturday.
Tuchel’s side did have to struggle a bit to beat the Saints on Tuesday but in the Premier League, they have been in impeccable form, winning five of their previous six league matches. Their last game was a 7-0 victory over Norwich City.
The manager made a series of changes to his starting line up on Tuesday, resting several first-team regulars but most of them are going to return to the fold on Saturday. Having said that, Tuchel has several injury concerns so he will have to be really careful with his team selection. The London side returns to the Champions League next week so the manager will not want any fresh injury blows.
Chelsea team news & injury updates vs Newcastle United:
Kepa played in goal vs Southampton but Mendy will reclaim his usual role when the Blues face Newcastle United. Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva were both rested in midweek so they too will come back into the side as well.
Christensen has undergone a dental procedure which is why he did not face the Saints but the centre-back should be fit to play on Saturday. The same cannot be said for Cesar Azpilicueta as he’s nursing a shoulder injury.
If Azpilicueta is not ready then Reece James will get another chance to feature in the first XI. James had a poor outing in the EFL Cup clash(Fotmob has given him a rating of just 6.9/10) so there’s a chance that Hudson-Odoi could be playing as the right wing-back.
Chilwell has moved up the pecking order as the season’s progressed so the England international will reprise his role.
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N’Golo Kante’s fitness remains a mystery as he was not available on Tuesday and we are not sure if he will be risked at St James’ Park or not. If Kante is not starting then Kovacic will hold onto his place.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is out with a hip injury and he will likely go through a late fitness test to determine his availability.
Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku are perhaps the biggest injury doubts for the Chelsea boss but he will not be too worried since Newcastle United do not have the strongest of defences.
If neither of them is back to full fitness then Kai Havertz will once again lead the line.
Overall, there are several players who are going to be touch and go for Chelsea’s trip to St James’ Park but Thomas Tuchel has the squad depth to name a pretty stable starting line up and given the poor form of Newcastle, the Blues should be able to get the job done.
