{"id":295024,"date":"2023-11-25T06:10:09","date_gmt":"2023-11-25T06:10:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsloveme.com\/?p=295024"},"modified":"2023-11-25T06:10:09","modified_gmt":"2023-11-25T06:10:09","slug":"chelsea-team-news-and-predicted-xi-vs-newcastle-as-pochettino-left-without-five","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsloveme.com\/soccer\/chelsea-team-news-and-predicted-xi-vs-newcastle-as-pochettino-left-without-five\/","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea team news and predicted XI vs Newcastle as Pochettino left without five"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mauricio Pochettino previews Newcastle clash<\/h3>\n

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has had two weeks to work with his players on the training pitch during the international break, but he is still no closer in ending their injury troubles. The Argentinian will be again without five key squad members for the trip to face Newcastle in the North East, with the Blues in better form after beating Tottenham and a thrilling draw with Manchester City. Ahead of a tough test against Eddie Howe’s side, Express Sport looks at which starting XI Pochettino could select…<\/p>\n

Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez<\/h3>\n

The Spaniard will take up his position as first-choice stopper again despite question marks over his form in the Chelsea goal.<\/p>\n

The \u00a325million signing has conceded 10 goals in his last five appearances and hasn’t registered a clean sheet since the 2-0 win over Fulham back in October.<\/p>\n

The lack of competition from Djordje Petrovic, 24, means he won’t be fearing his position between the sticks just yet. The Serbian hasn’t played a single minute this season since his \u00a314m switch from New England Revolution and was an unused substitute in Serbia’s 2-2 draw with Bulgaria in the international break too.<\/p>\n

READ MORE <\/strong> Chelsea waiting to unleash Christopher Nkunku as part of strict plan for debut[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Defenders: Reece James, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Marc Cucurella<\/h3>\n

Pochettino has already given the game away with Reece James, confirming the right-back will play as he completes the final stage of his long-winded recovery plan. The captain turned down a call-up to the England squad to concentrate on regaining full fitness and he is set to play against Newcastle.<\/p>\n

“He’s doing well, he’s at a very good level,” the Chelsea boss said. “He’s improving everyday, we’re so happy with him. Hope he can cope with the demands of 90 minutes and we’ll see tomorrow. Now you know one player that is going to play.”<\/p>\n

Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Ben Chilwell are still out for the long-term. But Fofana’s return to training on the grass has encouraged Pochettino that he could be back earlier than first thought in 2024: “For him it was a massive motivation to be there and for us also to see him after a long time out of the picture. It is good that he starts to feel the grass.”<\/p>\n

Levi Colwill is also fit again after missing the 4-4 draw with Manchester City through illness.<\/p>\n