Gallagher, Chilwell, Colwill - Chelsea injury news and return dates for Newcastle with fresh duo out

Chelsea's injury list briefly looked manageable for Mauricio Pochettino. That has now escalated once more after a pair of fresh problems that arose following the disappointing 2-2 draw with Brentford last week.

With Newcastle travelling to Stamford Bridge on Monday it is not only a battle between two of the most injury-hit teams in the league but also two of those challenging for the European places. Chelsea can only move into the top half with a win — though Brighton can put even that out of reach on Sunday — but the throng of teams competing for places is tighter than ever.

With a game in hand on Newcastle, West Ham, and the Seagulls — as well as two on Wolves going into the game — Chelsea are in the mix to secure a Europa League or Conference League place still. They will need to overcome their mass inconsistency to make that a reality though.

Pochettino has had his fair share of squad fitness problems this term but even a Carabao Cup final hasn't saved him from strong backlash from the supporters. Defeat to Eddie Howe's own up-and-down side would pile yet more pressure onto him.

Here, football.london has the latest from the Blues treatment room.

In an injury update posted on the club's official website , it was confirmed that the left-back is «undergoing specialist medical assessment» due to a knee issue. Pochettino has confirmed it happened after the Brentford game.

Injury: Knee.

Predicted return date: Unknown.

What Pochettino has said: «We need to wait until he sees the specialist. I cannot go in advance. I hope it's not a big issue but after eight or nine months here at the club, I prefer to wait.»

Gallagher has been a regular for Chelsea this season and played against Brentford. Pochettino revealed that he is suffering