The Magpies were without Lewis Hall, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Jamaal Lascelles for their 2-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Fulham on Wednesday night.
Matters then got worse during the game when Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw in the remaining quarter of an hour with a knee injury.
Livramento is set to be sidelined for the next few weeks, according to Eddie Howe, as is Dan Burn, while Trippier and Krafth aren’t expected back until in and around the New Year. It is unclear when Botman and Lascelles will return.
The good news is Hall has a chance of returning against Chelsea, but that still only leaves United with three senior defenders, including centre-back pairing Malick Thiaw and Fabian Schar.
That is likely to see Lewis Miley line up at right-back again but options in midfield and in attack give manager Eddie Howe some tough decisions to make.
Here’s how Newcastle United are predicted to line-up against the Blues:
1. GettyImages-2251799547.jpg
AFP via Getty Images
Nick Pope is close to a return from injury but the shirt is still Ramsdale’s to lose at the minute.
2. GK: Aaron Ramsdale
Nick Pope is close to a return from injury but the shirt is still Ramsdale’s to lose at the minute. | Getty Images
Filled in superbly at right-back in midweek and will likely be asked to do the same again considering the number of injuries in the back line.
3. RB: Lewis Miley
Filled in superbly at right-back in midweek and will likely be asked to do the same again considering the number of injuries in the back line. | Getty Images
A consistent performer in an inconsistent season for Newcastle United so far.
4. CB: Malick Thiaw
A consistent performer in an inconsistent season for Newcastle United so far. | Getty Images