Christensen & Emerson Doubtful for Newcastle Clash

Chelsea are facing something of a defensive injury crisis ahead of Saturday's match against Newcastle, with Andreas Christensen and Emerson Palmieri doubtful for the Premier League clash.

Christensen was one of a number of Blues stars to pick up injuries during the current international break, with the Denmark international struggling with a hamstring problem.

Emerson, meanwhile, has been out since September with a hamstring problem, and though Chelsea are not ruling out a comeback for the ex-Roma full-back, he faces a race against time to prove his fitness for the visit of the Magpies.

Reece James, N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic also suffered fitness issues while representing their national sides, though Frank Lampard's staff are working hard to ensure all three are ready for when domestic action returns.

James is hopeful of being involved in training this week after he suffered a reoccurence of an ankle injury he picked up over the summer while with the England Under-21s.