Chelsea are back in Premier League action this weekend, as they take on Newcastle in a match that could have huge consequences on the table and the race for European qualification.
Chelsea and Newcastle both secured their place in the Carabao Cup semi-final in midweek, and with the way the draw has played out, this weekend could be a dress rehearsal for the final next year. However, that implication aside, all focus is on the Premier League as both teams aim to add three points to their tally.
Enzo Maresca's side are in patchy form in the league, picking up just two wins in the last five to cool talk of a potential title challenge. As a result, focus is firmly on European qualification for now, and the Magpies could well rival them for a place in the top four this season.
That is if they can find some form, as they sit 12th in the league, following a slow start to the campaign overall. It means that both teams, who have struggled with inconsistency, will be looking to set some of that right starting on Saturday.
Both Chelsea and Newcastle will be without their full strength team, however, as injuries are set to keep some key players out of action over the weekend. So, with that said, here's a look at every player who could be missing from the clash in the early kick off on Saturday.
Liam Delap
Liam Delap is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a shoulder injury in Chelsea's draw with AFC Bournemouth. Enzo Maresca admitted he didn't know how many weeks the striker would be out for, depending on how his shoulder recovers. He said: "We don't know yet. It can be still, 2,3, 4 weeks... We don't know exactly how many days he needs."(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))
One of Chelsea's bright sparks this season has been Estevao, following his long-awaited move to the club. However, he is now set for some time out after picking up a muscle problem. "Estevao has a small muscular problem, a light injury," Maresca said. "He won't be available for Newcastle, but we will see for the next one. I think he can be available for the next one."(Image: (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images))
Romeo Lavia has been plagued with injury issues since his move to Chelsea, which have surfaced once again. Maresca was unsure if the issue is a short or long one, as the wait goes on for him to put together a run of performances.(Image: (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images))
Dario Essugo is out with a thigh injury, which came as quite a blow for the youngster. Maresca was unsure if the star would be back before Christmas, claiming he needed to be protected in making his return.(Image: (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images))
Levi Colwill is set to miss the majority, if not all, of the season with an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury. The defender picked it up in August, and is set for a long road back to recovery after undergoing a procedure.(Image: (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images))
Tino Livramento was looking toward a reunion with his former club Chelsea, but that now looks unlikely. The defender picked up a knee injury in a midweek Carabao Cup tie, which could see him out of action.(Image: (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images))
Another Chelsea returnee could be Lewis Hall, but he is a doubt heading into the clash, after picking up a hamstring concern.(Image: (Photo by Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images))
Dan Burn is set to be missing for Newcastle, after suffering with a rib problem, along with a punctured lung. The defender picked it up during a fiery clash with Sunderland.
Kieran Trippier is also targeting a return in the New Year, as he faces time out for Newcastle with a thigh injury.(Image: (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images))
Goalkeeper Nick Pope has picked up a groin injury, which has kept him out of action. Aaron Ramsdale looks set to keep his position between the sticks as a result.(Image: (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images))
Defender Sven Botman has been out of action again, picking up a back injury. While he has made progress, Eddie Howe is unsure when he will be back.(Image: (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images))
Emil Krafth is another injury doubt for Newcastle, with Eddie Howe claiming that a return is targeted for the New Year.(Image: (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images))
Jamaal Lascelles has been dealing with a muscular problem in recent weeks. He is back in training, but it remains to be seen if he is fit enough to feature over the weekend.(Image: (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images))
Newcastle striker Will Osula has been struggling with an ankle issue throughout the season so far. While recent scans were positive, he is yet to make a return for the side.(Image: (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images))