Why Joe Willock misses Newcastle United's Premier League clash against Chelsea

Newcastle United have been dealt another injury blow with Joe Willock ruled out of this afternoon's Premier League clash against Chelsea (kick-off 3pm).

The former Arsenal midfielder had previously spent five months on the sidelines with a hamstring and then an Achilles problem before returning to action in October.

Willock has since featured in matches against Borussia Dortmund, Wolves, Manchester United, Arsenal and Dortmund but misses out versus Chelsea with Magpies boss Eddie Howe revealing an 'aggravated Achilles' issue.

The 24-year-old had been in contention to start with Howe's central midfield options limited due to Sandro Tonal's long-term and Sean Longstaff out with an ankle injury.

As a result, 17-year-old Lewis Miley retains his spot in the starting XI to make only his second Premier League start, Bruno Guimaraes is back from serving a one-match suspension against AFC Bournemouth.

Howe, also without Emil Krafth through illness has named three goalkeepers - Loris Karius, Martin Dubravka & Mark Gillespie - and four under-21s players - Amadou Diallo, Alex Murphy, Michael Ndiweni & Ben Parkinson.