Newcastle United have been given an early boost ahead of Sunday’s clash against Chelsea, with Blues star Reece James ruled out injured.
Following Thursday evening’s clash at Southampton, Eddie Howe’s side travel to face the European and world champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
But Thomas Tuchel’s star right wing-back will be missing, after the Athletic reported he had suffered a hamstring/muscular injury to his right leg.
The England international’s absence will likely be a welcome relief for the Newcastle players after he put on an attacking clinic at St James’ Park back in October.
Chelsea beat Steve Bruce’s Magpies 3-0 that day with the 22-year-old scoring the first two goals.
Bruce’s beleaguered side showed next to no ambition that day which allowed James to play high up the pitch and be a constant outlet for the likes of Jorginho and N’Golo Kante.
The Magpies rode their luck and frustrated the visitors for the opening hour before James took centre stage.
In the 65th minute, a Callum Hudson-Odoi cross was cleared into the path of James, who took the ball down with his right foot before arrowing the ball passed Karl Darlow into the far top corner with his left foot.
The Blues’ number 24 scored his second and put the game beyond doubt when he clinically smashed the ball into an empty net after Darlow had already dived to save a Ruben Loftus-Cheek effort, which fell perfectly into James’ path, following a block.
James finished that game with 86 touches and created three chances, which was more than any other player on the pitch.
Only teammate Hakim Ziyech (5) attempted more shots on Newcastle’s goal than James (4). But no player from either side registered more shots on target than the talented full-back (3).
Newcastle’s fortunes have completely transformed since Eddie Howe took over the reins and the former Bournemouth boss will likely be delighted that James will miss Sunday’s game.
From the 17 Premier League games James has played in this season, the ten-time England international has five goals and six assists to his name, which highlights the influence and importance he brings to the Chelsea side.
Cesar Azpilicueta, who is naturally a more defensive-minded wing-back compared to Reece James, is likely to replace the Chelsea academy graduate after returning to training on Monday after missing the last two games.
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