Chelsea will be without two attacking options as they take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park in the Premier League this afternoon.
After dropping points against Leeds and Bournemouth, the Blues got back on track at home to Everton last weekend.
In their final match before Christmas, they have made the trip up to St James’ Park where they will remain without striker Liam Delap.
The summer signing from Ipswich Town was forced off with a shoulder injury in the first-half of the goalless draw with Bournemouth.
While Delap was left in some pain, Chelsea have been hopeful he will avoid a lengthy layoff with Enzo Maresca not ruling out a return against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Estevao Willian is another attacking option not available today. The Brazil international picked up a minor muscle injury that ruled him out of the Carabao Cup victory over Cardiff City. The trip to Newcastle comes too soon for him but, like Delap, it is hoped he will be ready for Villa.
Chelsea remain without midfielders Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia with Levi Colwill a long-term absentee. But they otherwise have a clean bill of health heading into the festive period.
Moises Caicedo is also once again available for Premier League duty after competing his three-match suspension.
Maresca made 11 changes to his side for the win over Caridff midweek with Jamie Gittens, Tyrique George and Facundo Buonanotte among those starting.
But two players off the bench were the difference with Alejandro Garnacho scoring twice with Pedro Neto on target as they secured safe passage to the next round.
The pair seem nailed on to return to the starting XI today along with Cole Palmer, who was given the night off on Wednesday.
Chelsea XI to face Newcastle – Metro prediction
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After getting the night off midweek, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro will also be expected to come back into the side today.
Chelsea will have a full week to recover before their game against Villa around Christmas when Maresca’s options could be further boosted by the returns of Delap and Estevao.
Newcastle vs Chelsea kick-off time, TV channel and live stream
Newcastle vs Chelsea kicks off at 12:30pm on Saturday 20 December.
You can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 with streaming also available through the Discovery+ app.