'Massive' - Newcastle United confirm fresh injury blow as absentee list stretches to 13

Newcastle United were without 13 senior players for this afternoon's Premier League clash against Chelsea - but rose from the face of adversity.

The Magpies emerged as 4-1 winners at St James' Park following goals from Alexander Isak, Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon.

Isak opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Raheem Sterling's free-kick meant the scoreline was level at half-time.

But United surged to victory after the break as Gordon assisted Jamaal Lascelles and scored himself, while Joelinton also got in on the act.

Eddie Howe's side moved up to sixth in the Premier League table, three points off the Champions League spots.

"It was a real statement of character within the squad," said Howe. "We really asked the players to step up, and we really deserved to win. Big positives from today."

Newcastle were dealt two fresh concerns ahead of Chelsea. Emil Krafth missed out because of illness but Joe Willock looks set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines because of an Achilles injury.

The former Arsenal midfielder had also just returned after five months out.

"It looks like a recurrence of the Achilles injury that he had a few weeks ago," confirmed Howe. "It's a massive blow for us, we don't know how long he'll be out, he has to seek specialist advice. But it's a huge blow for us.

"Very hard for everyone to take yesterday, especially because it's another reoccurrence. That's the frustrating thing."