Fabian Schar of Newcastle United tackles Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea
Fabian Schar of Newcastle United tackles Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea
When it comes to the crunch, Premier League managers will be desperate to have as many players fit and ready for the final games of the season. But Eddie Howe and Enzo Maresca will have to cope without several of their key players for Sunday's huge showdown between Newcastle United and Chelsea.
The two sides go head-to-head at St James' Park knowing that a win will be a huge boost for their Champions League hopes, although nothing will be decided on the day. However, depending how other results go, a victory for Newcastle could almost secure a top-five place and the Champions League spot that goes with it.
United will have to cope withour the injured Joelinton again, with the the Brazilian back on Tyneside after a spell in Brazil to recover from a knee injury. The Newcastle midfielder has has treatment in Barcelona and could yet make an appearance before the season is out, although Howe remains cautious.
He will sit out Sunday's game with Chelsea, as will Lewis Hall, who is another ruled out for the rest of the campaign. The England left-back has not played since picking up a foot injury in February against Liverpool and won't return until pre-season. Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Targett are also not expected to feature again with knee and hamstring injuries respectively.
Two players limped off early in the 1-1 draw with Brighton last weekend and have been monitored this week. Defenders Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier appeared to have cramp issues at the Amex and Howe hinted that one or two players had been overcoming injury problems this past week. Both are expected to be fit to take their place.
Chelsea have their issues too, although Maresca is blessed with a large squad and made wholsesale changes for their Europa Conference League win over Djurgarden on Thursday night.
Key players missing include defender Wesley Fofana, who will miss the rest of the season with a thigh injury, and striker Christopher Nkunku. The French forward was ruled out with a knock at the start of the month, but is expected to feature in the final two games.
Omari Kellyman's thigh injury will keep him out until next season, while Aaron Anselmino is also sidelined. Young Spanish forward Marc Guiu is in with a chance of being involved after making progress with a thigh problem, but Mykhailo Mudryk is still suspended pending an FA investigation into a drugs test.