Newcastle United vs. Chelsea early team news: £60 million in doubt after 16 players are ruled out of Premier League clash
Newcastle United return to Premier League action this afternoon (kick-off 3pm) after a two-week international break, with Chelsea visiting St James’ Park.
Last time out, the Magpies were defeated 2-0 by AFC Bournemouth, bringing their injury crisis to a head. Already missing 12 senior players, United suffered an injury to Miguel Almiron during the game, while Fabian Schar and Sean Longstaff also suffered knocks.
While a few players are expected to return against the Blues today, United manager Eddie Howe is still without a number of senior players.
The visitors are also missing some key players as they look to build on their previous two results, which saw them defeat Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 and draw 4-4 with Premier League and European champions Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are hoping to rebound from their South Coast defeat with a morale-boosting three points ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Champions League clash in Paris.
1. Sandro Tonali – released
Following illegal betting offenses, the Italian has been suspended from football until August 2024.
2. Jacob Murphy – no longer available
Murphy recently had surgery for a dislocated shoulder. Is expected to return in January.
3. Dan Burn – leave
The Blyth-born defender suffered a back injury against Arsenal and will not be able to return until at least February.
4. Callum Wilson – unavailable
Howe admits that Wilson’s return date is “slightly unclear” as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
5. Wesley Fofana – out
Fofana is making progress in his recovery from an ACL injury but is still a long way from returning.
6. Elliot Anderson – released
Anderson is also out with a back injury and won’t be able to return until the busy holiday season.
7. Sven Botman – released
Botman has been out since September, and Howe has yet to provide an ETA for his return.
8. Harvey Barnes is no longer available.
Barnes has been out since September with a toe injury but is expected to return next month.
9. Ben Chilwell – out
Ben Chilwell is still out after suffering an injury against Brighton & Hove Albion in September.
10. Lewis Hall – finished
The young left-back will not be able to play against his parent club.
11. Javier Manquillo – released
Manquillo is out due to a groin injury. There is no stated return date.
12. Matt Targett is no longer available.
Targett isn’t expected to return until February after undergoing hamstring surgery.
13. Trevoh Chalobah – released
Chalobah recently suffered a setback due to an injury.
14. Carney Chukwuemeka – released
Chukwuemeka hasn’t played since being injured against West Ham in the first game of the season.
15. Romeo Lavia – released
Is on the verge of making his Chelsea debut, but the visit of Newcastle comes too soon.
16. Christopher Nkunku – released
Nkunku, like Lavia, arrives in Tyneside far too soon.
17. Sean Longstaff
Newcastle are unlikely to be “checking and analysing” Longstaff after he suffered an ankle injury against Bournemouth last time out.
18. Alexander Isak – released
While Howe confirmed Almiron, Trippier, and Schar would be available against Chelsea, he was tight-lipped about Isak.
