Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will have to assess a number of his players ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge.

Reece James and Ben Chilwell will again definitely be unavailable for selection through injury, while Callum Hudson-Odoi remains a doubt for the Blues due to an Achilles problem.

Chelsea will also have to make late checks on Marcos Alonso (COVID-19) and Christian Pulisic (illness), with the pair missing out on Thursday's 3-1 win over Norwich City at Carrow Road.

Cesar Azpilicueta had to be replaced at the interval of the clash with Norwich due to stomach cramps, so the Spaniard could also be unavailable for selection here.

Depending on which players are available, Tuchel could decide to switch to a back four, with Andreas Christensen and Malang Sarr potentially coming into the XI in the full-back areas.

N'Golo Kante could also be introduced in midfield, while Hakim Ziyech and Antonio Rudiger - unused substitutes against Norwich - are likely to start against Newcastle.

Romelu Lukaku was only a late substitute against the Canaries but is likely to be on the bench once again, with Kai Havertz potentially leading the line with support from Mason Mount and Ziyech.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Mendy; Christensen, T Silva, Rudiger, Sarr; Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic; Ziyech, Havertz, Mount

Written by
Matt Law