Revealed! Why Newcastle United duo Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock miss out at Chelsea

Key Newcastle United midfield duo Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock are both missing from the Magpies line-up at Chelsea - and here’s why.

The club have confirmed that both players are suffering from illness and are not fit enough to make the bench.

As a result, Sean Longstaff starts his first game since the 1-1 home draw with Watford in the centre of midfield. He is joined by Bruno Guimaraes in the United engine room.

Other absentees & changes

In total, Eddie Howe makes four changes to his Newcastle team at Stamford Bridge - and makes an adjustment to the system, too.

The Magpies have switched to a five at the back with Jamaal Lascelles coming in for Emil Krafth.

Javier Manquillo also comes in for Shelvey. Further forward Miguel Almiron is handed a rare start in place of Ryan Fraser, who drops to the bench.

Joelinton remains an absentee with a groin problem, while Allan Saint-Maximin returns to the United bench after illness.

NUFC XI & subs

Newcastle United (5-4-1): Martin Dubravka; Javier Manquillo, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Dan Burn, Matt Targett; Jacob Murphy, Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff, Miguel Almiron; Chris Wood.

Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Mark Gillespie, Paul Dummett, Allan Saint-Maximin, Matt Ritchie, Emil Krafth, Ryan Fraser, Dwight Gayle, Lucas De Bolle.