Christopher Nkunku return, Badiashile decision - Strongest Chelsea starting lineup vs Newcastle
The countdown until Premier League action is well underway, with Chelsea's international representatives having now featured in their final games before returning to west London. Newcastle await at St James' Park on Saturday afternoon, and time is tight for Mauricio Pochettino to prepare his team to take on the Magpies.
The Blues have already had a boost in seeing Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto return to the training pitch after the duo withdrew from their international squad due to injury, while the likes of Thiago Silva who had time off, returned to Cobham earlier in the week. There is still to be a wait for Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo who finished their efforts in South America just hours ago, and no doubt they will be assessed upon their return with little time to train ahead of facing Eddie Howe's side.
Newcastle have no shortage of injury issues of their own, and will be unable to utilise Lewis Hall who is ineligible to face the Blues while on his season-long loan. In many ways, the trip to the North East could be seen as the perfect opportunity for Chelsea to establish some momentum heading into a busy festive period.
The Blues boss will not be taking the game lightly and want to launch a solid assault up the Premier League table with the west London side to face Brighton and Manchester United, who also currently sit above them.
Robert Sanchez has been present at Cobham to continue to training and will continue in goal in the North East. He will preside over a defence that will undoubtedly include Reece James, with the latter being able to peak for this match having not joined up with England.
Thiago Silva will be refreshed having spent some time in Brazil during the break, and this week Benoit Badiashile and Marc
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