Jamie Gittens and Reece Jamesplaceholder image
Jamie Gittens and Reece James | Getty Images
Newcastle United latest news: Liam Rosenior has received two major boosts ahead of Chelsea’s clash with the Magpies at Stamford Bridge.
Liam Rosenior has revealed that he will have one of his key players back and available for selection against Newcastle United on Saturday.
Chelsea host the Magpies aiming to bounce back from a disappointing defeat against PSG in midweek. The Blues were beaten 5-2 at the Parc des Princes and know they have to win by three clear goals on Tuesday night to stand any chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Before then, though, Rosenior’s side face Newcastle United in the Premier League with a victory at Stamford Bridge moving the hosts, albeit temporarily, into third in the league table. Chelsea haven’t been beaten by Newcastle United at home in any competition since May 2012 but also head into Saturday evening’s game winless in their last three against the Magpies.
This weekend’s game will be the first time that Eddie Howe and Rosenior have been in opposite dugouts from each other. The former of whom has recently been boosted by the return of Jamie Gittens to fitness.
Rosenior confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Friday that the former Borussia Dortmund man was in contention to face Newcastle United. However, he also confirmed that both Estevao (hamstring) and Levi Colwill (knee) would miss out this weekend.
Chelsea receive major Reece James boost ahead of Newcastle United clash
One man who often has a big role to play in matches between Newcastle United and Chelsea is Reece James. Back in October 2021, James put on a clinic of a performance on Tyneside which had social media purring and prompted the official Chelsea Twitter account to name the stadium ‘St Reece James Park’.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
However, the full-back’s next visit would not go as planned as he was sent off during Chelsea’s 4-1 drubbing on Tyneside. James was also in the headlines once again in December when he netted a free-kick as Chelsea, then under the management of Enzo Maresca, rescued a point after being two goals down.
And, on the eve of the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge, it was confirmed that James had signed a new six-year contract to keep him at Chelsea until 2032. Speaking to the media about that deal, Chelsea’s captain said: “There wasn't much of a decision. I love the club, I've experienced winning here and I believe in the future. I've spoken to everyone at the club, from ownership to sporting directors, I'm fully behind the club and what they are trying to build.”
His manager added: “When you meet Reece, you see him from afar, you see he can play many positions, he's technically brilliant. The thing he impresses me most is his humility and how he is as a person. For as long as I'm here, he'll be my leader.”
Newcastle United’s clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge kicks-off at 5:30pm on Saturday evening. The match will be broadcast live on TV by Sky Sports with coverage beginning on the Sky Sports Premier League channel at 5pm.
Continue Reading