Jorginho hands Chelsea injury boost for Newcastle clash as Kepa remains out

Graham Potter has confirmed the Chelsea team news to face Newcastle United on Saturday evening.

It’s Chelsea’s final outing before the World Cup, which commences next week, and Potter will be keen to head into the break on a high with a win.

They travel to St. James’ Park to face an in-form Newcastle side who are unbeaten since August and currently in third place in the Premier League.

Newcastle’s recent form has seen manager Eddie Howe win October’s Manager of the Month award, while Miguel Almiron collected the Player of the Month award.

Saturday will prove to be a tough ask for Chelsea, who are without a win in their last four league outings (D2, L2).

They are without Kepa Arrizabalaga (foot), Wesley Fofana (knee), Reece James (knee), N’Golo Kante (hamstring) and Carney Chukwuemeka (hamstring).

Jorginho missed the defeat in midweek to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup with a slight foot problem, but Potter has handed Chelsea a boost ahead of the trip to Tyneside.

He returned to training and trained with the rest of the team on Friday, and will be involved in the squad if there aren't any last-minute issues.

Potter confirmed: "Jorgi trained today, so provided there's no reaction, he should be in the squad."

Meanwhile, Kepa missed out on a call-up to Spain's World Cup squad on Friday morning when Luis Enrique confirmed his 26-man squad.

The 28-year-old is struggling with a foot injury, but Potter insists he doesn't know whether or not he would have made the squad if he was fully fit.

Potter added: "I have no idea. He's not training, so it's not possible now."

This will see Edouard Mendy continue in goal for Chelsea against Newcastle on Saturday. Potter is expecting a tough game against the high-flying Toon Army as they look to go into the break on a high.

Potter concluded: "That's what we'll try to do (go into break with a win).

"We know Newcastle will want to do as well. It will be a tough match, but we will try our best. They've got results and got results deservedly. That builds confidence and momentum."