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Chelsea handed huge boost before Newcastle United Premier League clash

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca during his press conference.

Enzo Maresca has given a positive update on his Chelsea squad as Newcastle United watch on.

Chelsea have been handed a telling boost ahead of their much-anticipated Premier League clash at Newcastle United on Sunday lunchtime (noon).

Newcastle and the Blues are battling for a top-five finish in the top-flight - and a lucrative place in next season's Champions League. The Magpies currently sit fourth in the league table on 63 points, level with Chelsea, who sit fifth with three games to go.

Enzo Maresca's side do, though, also have an added distraction of the UEFA Conference League with Chelsea 4-1 up Djurgarden in their semi-final tie. The Blues are in action on Thursday evening, in the second leg of that tie, just three days before travelling to St James' Park.

But, in a significant boost for Newcastle's opponents this weekend, Chelsea head coach Maresca has confirmed that his side have a clean bill of health.

"We have no injuries," he said in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday," via footbal.london. "Marc Guiu could be involved in the squad, we are not sure yet, but he is very close."

Looking ahead to Sunday's trip to the North East, he continued: "Tomorrow is the game for me. In 48 hours after tomorrow, because we play at 12 o'clock, there is not big time for recovery.

"It happened last week so the timing was not a good time but we will try to be ready tomorrow and Sunday."

Magpies' manager Eddie Howe, meanwhile, has several injury concerns within his squad. Joelinton, Matt Targett, Lewis Hall and Jamaal Lascelles remain out for the rest of the season.

However, in more positive news for Newcastle, Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier are both in line to be fit enough for Sunday despite limping off during the 1-1 draw at Brighton last weekend.

"I am not 100 per cent sure with Fabby, as he was limping," Howe said post-match at the Amex Stadium. "I don't know if it is cramp or a muscle issue, I need to check. Kieran, I'm pretty sure it was cramp."

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