How Chelsea could line up against Newcastle United

Chelsea will be without at least seven injured players for Saturday's Premier League encounter with Newcastle United at St James' Park.

Christopher Nkunku (knee) and Romeo Lavia (ankle), who are yet to make their competitive debuts for the Blues since joining the club in the summer, were both spotted in training this week, but Saturday's game will come too soon for the duo.

Wesley Fofana has also returned to the training field this week, but he remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury, while Ben Chilwell (hamstring), Carney Chukwuemeka (knee), Trevoh Chalobah (thigh) and Marcus Bettinelli (unspecified) are also unavailable for selection.

Malo Gusto pulled out of the France Under-21s squad last week with a knee problem and is a doubt for Saturday, but Levi Colwill, who withdrew from the England squad earlier this month due to a shoulder injury, is available to return against Newcastle.

Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher should be fit to feature against the Magpies despite arriving at the England camp with a minor ankle issue; the midfielder played the first 45 minutes against Malta before watching on as an unused substitute versus North Macedonia.

Reece James rejected an England call-up this month to concentrate on building up his fitness, and the Chelsea captain is in contention to start in defence on Saturday alongside Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva and either Colwill or Marc Cucurella.

Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Gallagher are the most likely trio to start in midfield, while Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling are expected to retain their places in the final third alongside central striker Nicolas Jackson, although Mykhaylo Mudryk will be hoping to force his way into the first XI.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Sanchez; James, Disasi, Silva, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher; Palmer, Jackson, Sterling