Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has provided the latest injury updates ahead of Saturday’s crucial Premier League clash against Newcastle United.
The Blues welcome the Magpies to Stamford Bridge in Saturday’s late kickoff, eager to return to winning ways after suffering a heavy 5-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash earlier in the week.
One of the players who missed the trip to the French capital was Brazilian teenage sensation Estevao Willian, and he will also be unavailable for this weekend’s clash as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
The 18-year-old picked up the injury on the eve of Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Burnley last month and has already missed their last five games across all competitions.
Speaking during Friday’s pre-match press conference, Rosenior confirmed that the youngster will remain sidelined for the clash in comments published on the official Chelsea website.
“Estevao is still a little bit further away. We want to be careful with Estevao because of the nature of his hamstring injury”, Rosenior said.
“The last thing we want to do is rush him back and see the injury recur. So, we will see what he’s like for Tuesday’s game against PSG.”
However, the Blues have received a positive boost with the return of England U-21 international Jamie Gittens, after several weeks on the sidelines.
The former Borussia Dortmund winger has missed Chelsea’s last nine matches across all competitions after also suffering a hamstring injury during the dramatic 3-2 win over West Ham United in January.
“Jamie is back involved, which is great news”, the Chelsea boss added.
Chelsea head into Saturday’s clash without a win in their last three games across all competitions against Newcastle United.
The Blues will be desperate to change that record to keep in touch with their rivals as the race for Champions League qualification intensifies.
