The dust has barely settled on Chelsea’s 5-2 loss at the hands of PSG in the Champions League. Liam Rosenior’s side do not have much time to dwell on that result though. The important games keep coming thick and fast. This week, they will be taking on Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Newcastle United have not had a great season by their standards, as they sit at 12th in the Premier League. They will not be easy opponents though. Not by a long stretch.
They recently beat Manchester United in the league, and are also coming off a draw against FC Barcelona in the Champions League in mid-week. On the other hand, Chelsea have blown hot and cold throughout the season. You never know which version of the Blues is going to show up.
Chelsea have not been helped by injury problems this season. And unfortunately, when they take on Newcastle United, they will be without one of their best players once again.
Liam Rosenior rules out Estevao from Chelsea vs Newcastle United game
According to Fabrizio Romano, Rosenior said: “Estevao will not play this weekend again, he is still a little bit further away.
“We want to be careful with Estevao because of the nature of his hamstring injury.”
Estevao has been out of action for a little while now. And without him, Chelsea don’t have that edge in the final third of the pitch. To be fair, Cole Palmer has been doing better in recent games and is finding some form again. Joao Pedro has been brilliant under Rosenior as well. Even Alejandro Garnacho has had his moments. But the Brazilian wonderkid just brings a different dynamic to this team. Whenever he is on the ball, there is a feeling that something could happen.
Both Pedro Neto and Estevao out against Newcastle United
Rosenior will have something to think about when it comes to his flanks this weekend. Not just Estevao, but Pedro Neto will be unavailable as well. The Portuguese winger has been handed an additional one-game ban for his actions against Arsenal.
So, how would Chelsea line-up against Newcastle United? Well, it is very possible that Rosenior might go with Palmer on the right, Garnacho on the left and Enzo Fernandez in the middle.
In midfield two, Moises Caicedo could partner with Andrey Santos or even Reece James. Romeo Lavia has returned to fitness as well and gives Rosenior an additional option there.
No matter how Chelsea line up against Newcastle United, the aim has to be to go for the three points. The race to qualify for the Champions League is extremely tight at the moment and there is little scope for slipping up. Every dropped point could prove vital.
