Chelsea against Newcastle United: Here’s how Eddie Howe’s squad is preparing for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle United will meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge today (8pm kick-off), looking for their first Premier League back-to-back wins since 2024.
The Magpies defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 last time out at St James’ Park. Kieran Trippier was forced off with a calf injury in that game and has since been ruled out of the encounter against Chelsea.
Trippier is set to return to Newcastle during the international break, according to head coach Eddie Howe.
Matt Targett, who has been out for four months with a hamstring injury, might return to the United bench against Chelsea. With Trippier out and Lewis Hall ineligible to face his parent club, two spots have freed up in Newcastle’s matchday squad for Monday evening.
“Matt is working his way back to full fitness,” head coach Eddie Howe told the Gazette. “If we needed him right now, I think he could play, but I think he needs a little more training time.
“That’s not to say he won’t be involved in the game but he’s done well, had a full week of training and is getting closer.”
1. Matt Targett (hamstring)
Matt Targett has been out since suffering a hamstring injury in the first few minutes of Newcastle’s 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United. The left-back had hamstring surgery in November and has now resumed full training. Expected Return: Chelsea (A) – 11/03
2. Lewis Hall – ineligible
Lewis Hall is unable to play against his parent club Chelsea on Monday. Expected Return: Manchester City (A) – 16/3
3. Kieran Trippier (calf)
Trippier was forced off during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Wolves due to a calf issue. Trippier is out for a few weeks due to a scan result. Expected return: West Ham (H) – 30/3
4. Nick Pope (shoulder)
Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder against Manchester United in December and had surgery. Eddie Howe has stated that the goalie is still some weeks away. Expected Return: Everton (H) – 2003/04
