Newcastle United vs Chelsea early injury news as 8 ruled out and 2 doubts

Chelsea and Newcastle United go head-to-head in a huge Premier League clash on Sunday, with both sides battling for a top five finish and Champions League qualification. As things stand, the Blues are currently in fifth place, just goal difference behind the Magpies in fourth.

Crucially, Nottingham Forest in sixth are just two points behind these two sides heading into this weekend, and they will be hoping to bounce one at least one of Chelsea and Newcastle dropping points this weekend. It’s set to be a huge clash in the race for the Champions League, with just two games remaining after this weekend. Here we round up the injury news surrounding both teams heading into this one.

Lewis Hall - Out

Hall is out for the season with an ankle injury. Eddie Howe has said: “He's doing great. I don't think we will see him play again this season if we are being honest. But he's recovering, and he is on the right road to recovery. We will certainly see him back again next season.”

Matt Targett - Out

Targett is out with a hamstring issue, and his season may be over. Howe said in late April: “We also lost Matty this week to a slight hamstring problem. Again, nothing serious but maybe enough to end his season.”

Jamaal Lascelles - Out

Lascelles is another who could be out for the rest of Newcastle’s games, struggling with a knee injury. Howe said in early April: “I don't know if we will see Jamaal again [this season]. I don't want to set a target or time. He has started very light training with the squad - on the drills - that are not competitive. He has looked very good; it is small steps for him.”

Joelinton - Out

Joelinton is in a similar boat having been out since April with a knee issue. Howe said last week: “He had discomfort in his knee last week, just before the game, so he [went to see a specialist]. It [is] nothing serious, but he needed a period of rest. He's now in Brazil and we'll wait and see if we can get him back before the end of the season - but the answer is probably not.”

Fabian Schaar - Doubt

Howe said last week: “I'm not 100 per cent sure what's happened with Fab, he was limping. I don't know whether that was a cramp or a muscle injury, so we'll have to check.” Schaar hasn’t had much time to recover, but he may have a chance of returning. Howe will confirm the latest on Friday.

Kieran Trippier - Fit

Trippier is expected to be fit. Howe said after the defender came off last time out: “I'm pretty sure that with Kieran, it was just cramp.”

Wesley Fofana - Out

Fofana will not return this season, with Maresca having said: “Unfortunately, Wes will be out for the rest of the season.”

Omari Kellyman - Out

Kellyman has confirmed he will miss the end of the season, writing on social media: “Beyond gutted to say that this season has come to an early end for me due to a re-injury of my hamstring. 24-25 has been a tough season for me mentally and physically due to injury, but it’s important now that I take time to get this right.”

Marc Guiu - Doubt

Maresca said before the Djugaarden game: “Everyone is fit and Marc Guiu could even be involved in tomorrow’s squad. We are not sure yet, we will make a decision on him, but he is getting closer. Maybe it’s better for Marc to have a few more days of training, but he is very close to being back with us. That will be very good news for us and for Marc.”

Christopher Nkunku - Out

Nkunku is out with a fresh injury issue. Maresca has said: “Christo will be out for I think one week or two weeks, we are not sure. We will see. He will be out for the next ten to 15 days.”

Mykhailo Mudryk - Out (Suspended)

Mudryk remains out due to a suspension over alleged consumption of a banned substance. Maresca has said: “The only thing I can say is that we are close to Mykhailo as a club, and we are trying to help him. In terms of an update, I don't have one.”

Your next Chelsea read, Chelsea fans can save £115 on Conference League final in Wroclaw