The Blues enjoyed their best week under Mauricio Pochettino to date before the international break as they collected four points from matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

As a result, Chelsea now sit in 10th position in the top-flight standings, four points adrift of their upcoming hosts who they will regard as a direct rival for European qualification.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their visit to the North East.

Ben Chilwell

Chelsea's Ben Chilwell looks dejected after the match on September 24, 2023 © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: Unknown

Ben Chilwell remains on the sidelines for Chelsea due to a hamstring issue and it is unlikely that the England international will be back on the field until December at the very earliest.

Christopher Nkunku

Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku on August 3, 2023 © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: December 3 (vs. Brighton & Hove Albion)

While Pochettino has recently provided a positive update on Christopher Nkunku, the France international may require another week on the training pitch before being considered for a competitive debut.

Wesley Fofana

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana after suffering a knee injury against AC Milan on October 5, 2022. © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

Wesley Fofana faces a battle to return before the end of the 2023-24 campaign, with the Frenchman undergoing a knee operation in the middle of July.

Trevoh Chalobah

Trevoh Chalobah in action for Chelsea in July 2023 © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Thigh
Possible return date: Unknown

Trevoh Chalobah is yet to feature this season due to a troublesome thigh problem and the defender is likely to again be unavailable for selection for this fixture.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Chelsea's Carney Chukwuemeka leaves the pitch after receiving medical attention on August 20, 2023 © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

Carney Chukwuemeka has suffered a recurrence of a previous knee injury and the midfielder is now expected to be on the sidelines until December as a bare minimum.

Romeo Lavia

Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: Unknown

Romeo Lavia is yet to make his debut for Chelsea due to a lack of fitness and an ankle injury, but the Belgian is believed to be making good progress behind the scenes.

Marcus Bettinelli

Status: Out
Type of injury: Unspecified
Possible return date: Unknown

Marcus Bettinelli has not made a matchday squad this season due to an unspecified injury and it is unclear when the experienced goalkeeper could be available for selection once again.