Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle United
Newcastle United resume their Premier League campaign against Chelsea in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Enzo Maresca has revealed that Chelsea will be without wonderkid Estevao Willian for their trip to St James’ Park this weekend.
The Brazilian did not travel with the Blues as they brushed aside Cardiff City 3-1 in the Carabao Cup. Estevao’s Premier League game time is limited but he has shone at Champions League and international level.
Maresca has preferred to bed the 18-year-old into Stamford Bridge life since his £30million switch - which could rise to around £55million. However, he will be without Estevao when Newcastle United welcome his side to Tyneside on Saturday.
Enzo Maresca gives injury update
Chelsea boss Maresca confirmed Estevao will not travel to Newcastle at the full-tie whistle. He told reporters: "Estevao has a minor muscle problem, a slight injury. He won't be available for the match against Newcastle, but we'll see about the next one. I think he might be available for the next one.”
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Cole Palmer on Chelsea fitness
Newcastle can take solace in knowing that Blues talisman Cole Palmer is also not 100 per cent fit. Having scored on his Premier League return last weekend, the 23-year-old admitted to still carrying a knock.
“I enjoyed being back out there,” Palmer said after beating Everton. “I’m still nowhere near 100 per cent in terms of fitness and sharpness, but I’m getting there and hopefully I’ll be there soon. I don’t want to do too much too soon but I’m getting there.
“I've been out for a while, probably the longest I’ve ever been out, so I was itching to get back out there with the team. To start and score was a nice feeling. We’ve obviously had a difficult few games, and it’s harder than people think, a game every three days. It’s a lot of travel and it’s difficult, so to get the win is great.”
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