Chelsea will be hoping to maintain their place at the top of the Premier League table this weekend, but they will have to bypass Newcastle at St James’ Park first.
The Blues, led by Thomas Tuchel, beat struggling Norwich 7-0 in their last league game without Club record signing Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.
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German Callum Hudson-Odoi, in particular, called for making an impact in place of his injured colleagues.
And the 20-year-old did, scoring Chelsea’s second goal of the match.
As for Newcastle, they saved a point at Selhurst Park, as Callum Wilson parried an overhead kick from Christian Benteke’s opener.
Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta may return to Tuchel’s starting lineup to take on the Magpies, which means academic producer Trevoh Chaluba could lose his place.
The rest of the team that comfortably sent Norwich have a good chance of holding on to their spot.
Alternatively, in-form Andreas Christensen could come into the line-up, qualifying for the back three.
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Azpiliceuta could be widely pushed into a full-back and Reece James could lose his place in Saturday’s game.
Wide man Hakim Ziyech could also get a rare start in place of Hudson-Odoi.
Tuchel suffers from an injury crisis in his offensive ranks. Saturday’s match comes too early for the attacking trio of Lukaku, Werner and Christian Pulisic.
Lukaku is expected to be out of action for about a month, while Werner is expected to be back soon.
Pulisic’s only appearance this season came against Crystal Palace in the season opener, but the American returned in first-team training.
Key midfielder Mateo Kovacic will also miss Saturday’s match with a hamstring injury.
Boss Tuchel confirmed: “We received very sad news on Thursday, he injured himself in the last minute of training.
“He’s had a hamstring injury and he’s going to be out for a few weeks already, next week for sure and then the international break comes.
“Hopefully he’ll come back after the international break. He’s been doing a lot of training so it’s a little bit my fault.”
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“He is happy to do what is required to do. He is a great guy, like a great team player.
“I was a big fan of him when he played for Real Madrid and I remember the El Clasicos and I can feel there is a lot of potential.
“The guy has a big heart for football and a passion for coaching. It is a pleasure to be his coach.”
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