Newcastle United v Chelsea injury news as nine ruled out and two doubts

Chelsea are back in action this weekend when they take on an in form Newcastle United side at St James’ Park.

It has been a tricky start to life at Stamford Bridge for Graham Potter, who has only guided the Blues to one win in their last four outings, while Chelsea are also winless in four games. That run of form has left them as low as seventh place, five points off the top four with a game in hand to play.

This clash with Newcastle will be their last outing before the more than month-long World Cup break takes hold, and it will be no easy test. Newcastle are currently third after a super start to the season, and they have now won five games on the bounce across all competitions, and they are 10 games without defeat.

Ahead of this one, Chelsea are sweating on the fitness of Jorginho, with Potter saying during the week: “Jorginho has a slight problem with his foot. Apart from that, we pretty much have the same group we’ve had.”

Reece James is making progress but won’t return in time for this one, aiming to return to full fitness over the course of the World Cup break having been left at home by England. N'Golo Kante, Wesley Fofana, and Ben Chilwell are also absentees, while Kepa Arrizabalaga is a serious doubt with his foot injury.

As for Newcastle, Alexander Isak, Ryan Fraser, Matt Ritchie, Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett are all still missing, but it’s not all bad news. Joelinton is back from suspension and wil be available here. On Fraser, who is set to miss out, Eddie Howe said after Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win during the week: “Ryan’s got a calf problem. Not sure how serious that is. I think everyone else, hopefully, has come through OK.”