Chelsea handed 'painful' blow ahead of Premier League final day as Newcastle United watch on
Newcastle United hopes of finishing 6th ahead of Chelsea is out of their hands on the final day of the Premier League season.
Chelsea will be without Reece James for their final Premier League match of the season against AFC Bournemouth.
James, who only just returned from a long injury lay-off, was sent off late on during Wednesday’s 2-1 win at Brighton & Hove Albion after kicking out at Joao Pedro.
A straight red card for violent conduct results in a three-match ban. However, because the 24-year-old was also sent off against Newcastle United in November, his suspension has been upgraded to four matches.
It will see James miss the visit of Bournemouth on Sunday and the opening three games of the 2024-25 season.
“It’s difficult to give my opinion because I didn’t have time to see the action,” said Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino. “But it’s painful [for us] because it’s a fantastic night of football and he’s a really important player.
“Now he is going to miss the next game and a few games next season.”
Chelsea leapfrogged Newcastle into 6th in midweek after their win on the South Coast was coupled with the Magpies’ 3-2 defeat away to Manchester United.
The Blues only need a point to guarantee European qualification, whereas Newcastle need to beat Brentford and hope Bournemouth win at Stamford Bridge.
Equalling Man United’s result at Brighton will see Newcastle finish 7th, although that will only become an entry into Europe if Erik ten Hag’s side lose the FA Cup final to Manchester City.
"The control is our performance and result against Brentford,” said Howe. “With what happens with Europe, that's now out of our hands. We have to accept that after today. It doesn't mean there is no hope, there is still hope but we will give it everything we can until the end of the season."