Chelsea make major decision on seven players ahead of Newcastle United double-header

The Blues suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday. Only four of the starting XI - Robert Sanchez, Tosin Adarabioyo, Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke - have travelled to Athens.

Captain Reece James made his first league start in ten months at Anfield having recovered from his latest hamstring injury but has been left in London alongside Levi Colwill, Nicolas Jackson, Moises Caicedo and Malo Gusto.

Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia will also watch from home, although they are not ineligible anyway after not being named in Chelsea’s UEFA squad for the group stage phase.

Squad management is key for Maresca’s side as they deal with a busy schedule. Following the visit to Greece, their focus quickly turns the double-header against Newcastle United.

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Eddie Howe’s men head to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday, a ground they haven’t won at since 13 years, before welcoming Chelsea to St James’ Park in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

The Magpies are without a victory in their four league matches, losing to Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion, and drawing with Manchester City and Everton.

United, who have beaten Nottingham Forest and AFC Wimbledon to reach this stage of the League Cup, were beaten by Chelsea on penalties at the quarter-final stage last season. Previously, Howe’s side made it to the final at Wembley but lost 2-0 to Manchester United.