Newcastle United could be handed a small boost ahead of next Monday’s clash with Chelsea.
According to London Football News, Thiago Silva and Christian Pulisic could be missing from Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Thiago hobbled out of the 1-0 win over Tottenham and might not return until the game with Southampton on February 20th.
American forward Pulisic missed last night’s win over Sheffield United through ‘family reasons’ and will definitely miss this week’s FA Cup clash.
Speaking after last night’s game, Tuchel claimed that he does have some concerns over the influential duo.
He told London Football News: “For Thiago, we are fighting every day. He will be out for the FA Cup.
“It will take us some time. It will take us several days. I think Southampton is maybe realistic.
“With a muscle injury you cannot take any risks. When it’s healed, it’s healed.”
This news will be music to Newcastle’s ears as they look to continue their mini-revival.
Wins over Everton and Southampton have the Magpies looking up and they must now kick on.
A trip to Chelsea will still provide Newcastle with a thankless task and they’ll need to be at their very best.
There was some evidence in last night’s game that Chelsea are weaker without the Brazilian.
Antonio Rudiger put through his own goal to briefly give the league’s bottom club hope last night.
It’s pretty obvious that Chelsea do lose an element of their solidity without Silva.
The jury also remains out on Andreas Christensen and Callum Wilson might be rubbing his hands together ahead of next Monday.
Newcastle have a ten point gap to the relegation zone and they can relax a little bit at this point.
Anything they can get at Stamford Bridge will be a bonus and news of these absences can only help matters.
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