Chelsea injury latest for Man United as Ruben Amorim appointment plan in place

Following their Carabao Cup exit on Wednesday night, Chelsea will only have eyes to the front as focus quickly shifts to a critical Premier League battle with Manchester United.

Enzo Maresca's rotated Blues fell to Newcastle United at St. James' Park, only days after beating them in the league. One difference was the absence of Cole Palmer, and the cost ultimately is a shot at the first available silverware of the season.

But Chelsea cannot dwell. Up next is a trip to Old Trafford to play Man United - historically a great battle in the Premier League era - though rather than the on-field action, it is what is happening elsewhere that is drawing the most attention ahead of the fixture.

Sunday's opponents made the decision earlier this week to pull the plug on Erik ten Hag's project as they sit 14th in the league standings, nine matches into what was the Dutchman's third season with the club. Ruud van Nistelrooy was installed as interim manager in his place - last night beating Leicester City in the cup - whilst the club's hierarchy have pressed ahead with the recruitment of Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim.

Now it has been reported that there is an agreement in place for the 39-year-old and his coaching staff to make the move from Lisbon to Manchester, though with the Portuguese club's wish that they stay until the November international break upheld. Therefore Amorim will not be in the dugout to face Maresca, that task will instead fall to Van Nistelrooy.

To combat Man United's new manager bounce, Maresca can take confidence from the entirety of his squad showing a clean bill of health ahead of the weekend.

There were four absent from the trip to Newcastle, though none were related to fresh injuries. Reece James, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana were all left at home as part of their load management schedules, whilst youngster Josh Acheampong's contract dispute is keeping him out of action until resolved, as per the club's decision.

So the former trio are expected to be back in contention to boost Maresca's options for Premier League action this weekend.

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