As we wrote earlier in the week, as many as five players could come back into the mix for Chelsea this weekend. Indeed the Blues injury crisis is alleviating as they make a visit to Newcastle United for a Saturday crunch clash. The list includes potential very long-awaited debuts for forward Christopher Nkunku and midfield maestro in the making Romeo Lavia.
Additionally, Conor Gallagher seems to have overcome a slight injury issue, and he should be available for selection here.
Chelsea FC at Newcastle United FYIs
Kick: Sat. Nov 25, 3pm, St. James Park
Full Injury List in Complete Detail: Newcastle Chelsea
Starting XI Predictions: Newcastle Chelsea
Team News: Newcastle Chelsea
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Premier League Position: Newcastle 7th, 20 points Chelsea 10th, 16 points
Premier League Form: Newcastle LWDWD Chelsea DWLDW
Google Result Probability: Newcastle 39% Draw 26% Chelsea 35%
Blues Team News
With Nkunku, Lavia and others now coming into the team, we’ll see if manager Mauricio Pochettino is truly prescient when he said Chelsea is “really building something” and that “very good things are coming.” Elsewhere defenders Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto, each battling knocks, should be back in the fold here.
However, less in known about Carney Chukwuemeka (knee injury) who suffered a setback in his recovery, and his timeline is unknown.
Finally, Wesley Fofana (knee) is done for the year. Trevoh Chalobah (thigh) is out, and not apparently not even part of the plan even when he’s healthy. Ben Chilwell (hamstring) should be back sometime around mid-December.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now, while writing for the International Baseball Writers Association of America. You can follow the website on Twitter.