The six Chelsea players likely to miss crucial Premier League game against Newcastle

Chelsea have a full week to prepare for their Premier League game against Newcastle and will look to respond after what has been a difficult week following a disappointing 2-2 draw against Brentford last weekend. 

This has been a challenging season for the Blues, who have managed to win just 10 of their 26 league games so far. Manager Mauricio Pochettino is under huge pressure to turn things around with LondonWorld sources saying the minimum for him to keep his job at the end of the campaign is to ensure they qualify for some sort of European football next season. 

They missed a massive opportunity to get that when they reached the League Cup final only to lose to a weakened Liverpool side at Wembley. They did keep their season alive after beating Championship side Leeds United to reach the quarter-final of the FA Cup.

Pochettino's task doesn't get easier with injuries piling up and options to rotate the team diminishing. Romeo Lavia who was signed to be a massive part of the squad has since struggled to find fitness and captain Reece James after trying and failing several times decided to take surgery on his hamstring. 

Newcastle have their own injury issues with experienced defender Kieran Trippier now a doubt for the game despite initially appearing to suggest he would be ready. Just four points separate Chelsea in 11th and Newcastle in eighth in the league table. 

Ahead of the game on Monday night, here are the six Chelsea players who be missing the game:

Christopher Nkunku- hamstring injury

Romeo Lavia - unknown

Reece James- hamstring

Carney Chukwuemeka- ankle

Lesley Ugochukwu- knee

Wesley Fofana - knee