Chelsea get two-week injury bonus for Newcastle United as Mauricio Pochettino hatches plan

It is now game week with the final international break of 2023 almost at its conclusion. A daunting trip to Newcastle United beckons for Chelsea, who have shown their ability to go toe to toe with the very best in the Premier League thus far this season.

The Blues played out a 4-4 thriller with Manchester City before the two-week international break in what will surely go down as a Premier League classic. It was possibly the worst game you could have before a break because its entertainment certainly left you wanting more.

Chelsea looked a real threat offensively again, which has not always been the case this season, and they will be looking to replicate such form on Tyneside at the weekend. For Mauricio Pochettino, though, it is about finding the right balance between attacking and defending.

For all of Chelsea's brilliance against Man City, the Blues did look suspect at the back at times. They cannot afford to do that at Newcastle in what is expected to be a hostile atmosphere at the typically loud St. James' Park on Saturday afternoon.

Pochettino has had the opportunity to work with a small group of players over the last week or so, who either were not chosen by their respective countries or made the decision themselves to stay back at Cobham. Among them is a possible back four we could see against Newcastle.

Reece James recently returned from a two-month lay off through injury and the Chelsea captain chose to stay back with his club rather than join up with the England squad. «There are times you feel things, but all you want to do is play,» James told the club's official website. «Then you push and realise something has happened.

Reece James' 'dad'-like Chelsea teammate who helps with captaincy problems

Reece James