Chelsea injury blow as six players ruled out of important Newcastle United clash

Chelsea are set to welcome back Jorginho for the Premier League visit to Newcastle United this evening - but remain without six senior players.

Jorgihno missed Wednesday’s third round Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Manchester City. The Italy international played a full game in last weekend’s home defeat to Arsenal but was ruled out of the 2-0 loss at the Etihad Stadium due to a foot injury.

The midfielder, however, is poised to make a quick recovery, as per boss Graham Potter. He said: “Jorgi trained today. Providing there is no reaction, he should be in the squad. Nothing else to report in terms of no returnees.”

Chelsea without five senior players

The Blues, however will be without some key players, including N’Golo Kante, Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Carney Chukwuemaka through injury. Indeed, Kante, James and Chilwell have been ruled out until after the World Cup.

It’s far from an ideal situation for Potter, who has lost three consecutive games as Chelsea boss. The 47-year-old faces Newcastle for the second time this season, having drawn 0-0 as Brighton and Hove Albion manager in August.

Eddie Howe’s side have only lost once at St James’ Park in 2022 and sit third in the Premier League table following four straight wins.

“They were a strong side when we played them,” Potter said. “When I look back on the game, I’d say we should have won the game but you could see already they had a physicality and intensity about them.

“Eddie has done a fantastic job, he really has. I really like what they’re doing. I really like how they’re playing. We’ve got a tough game.

“Eddie has done a fantastic job. He’s improved the players that were there and improved the team with some really good recruitment. They’ve spent some money to reinforce the team.

“I can speak for half an hour on how good I think Eddie is as a person and a coach, I’ve got huge admiration for him, He’s galvanized the team. There is fantastic support at St James’ Park and the club is moving forward.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle will make a late decision Callum Wilson’s availability after being unwell this week. The 30-year-old, who was named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad on Thursday, was left out of the Carabao Cup penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace in midweek.