The international break is in its final few days as the festive fixture schedule looms, with Chelsea hopeful of picking up plenty of points over that period. That run starts with a clash against Newcastle, with the Magpies in the midst of an injury crisis and one of the teams likely to battle with the Blues for a top four finish this season.
Elsewhere, discussions surrounding FFP and points deductions continue to swirl around Chelsea following Everton's ten-point deduction last week. There's also the January transfer window just around the corner, with the Blues being linked with a move for Ivan Toney.
With that said, make sure you keep the blog on lock as we bring you all the latest Chelsea news throughout another busy day.
Toney warning sent
Brentford striker Ivan Toney has seemingly sent a warning to everyone with his playing return just under two months away. The 27-year-old was given a lengthy footballing ban in May 2023 for breaching betting rules which saw him prohibited from playing for eight months and training with his team-mates for half of that punishment.
In the weeks and months following the confirmation of his ban, Toney posted numerous updates to his social media of his work away from the pitch to maintain his fitness and perhaps send a message to interested parties ahead of the January transfer window.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea are monitoring Toney ahead of the winter trading period as an option to bolster their attacking depth. Brentford are not interested in selling one of their star assets mid-way through season and also right as he returns, but the pull and financial power of those two clubs could prove to be too much, with Chelsea's January stance being revealed.
As football.london understands, Chelsea are strongly considering making a big-money offer to Brentford for Toney's services. Following that, Toney has posted another update with this one appearing as a huge warning to the footballing world.
Read the full story here
Chelsea FFP worries eased
Chelsea have seen their FFP worries eased with a crucial update after fellow Premier League outfit Everton were docked 10 points for one financial breach. The Blues have faced previous punishments in the past which included a transfer embargo in 2019 and their vast spending under Todd Boehly has resulted in further worries emerging especially based on recent FFP history.
Earlier this year it was announced by UEFA that the club had been fined £8.6million (€10m) for 'submitting incomplete financial information' during Abramovich's reign as owner Manchester City are another club facing the possibility of punishment with 115 FFP charges being lobbied against them for a number of different breaches dating back to 2012.
While Everton and Man City have both officially been charged, Chelsea are not quite in the same boat currently as the Premier League have not charged Chelsea for anything, neither have UEFA and neither has FIFA.
Given the possible complications surrounding Man City and Chelsea's investigation, an outcome being reached or a definitive decision being made appears some way off, especially for the latter. However, fears have understandably increased based on Everton's punishment for just one charge, but those concerns have been somewhat eased with journalist Ben Jacobs providing some clarity.
Read the full story here
Nkunku's final obstacle before Chelsea injury return decision
Christopher Nkunku could finally make his competitive debut for Chelsea this weekend in Premier League action against Newcastle. The France international picked up a serious knee injury during pre-season that has seen him miss the opening months of the season, however, after returning to training earlier this month, he could be in line to feature in the matchday squad.
With Pochettino set to speak to the press on Friday, all ears will be eagerly awaiting updates on Nkunku with the conditions for his return now being revealed.
Read the full story here
Premier League rule hands Newcastle further blow for Chelsea clash
Premier League action returns this weekend and Chelsea will enjoy a rare weekend of facing a team with greater injury issues than themselves. The Blues travel to face Newcastle United at St James' Park and could still see eight players ruled out, as the last of their international stars compete in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
While Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Wesley Fofana will definitely miss the away trip, Mauricio Pochettino has already noted that Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia will be monitored 'day by day' as they come into contention. The pair were pictured training separately at Cobham on Monday as they near a return in the coming days or weeks.
The Blues had a further boost on Monday as Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto, who had each pulled out of action for England and France under-21s respectively, were pictured taking part in Chelsea training. Colwill had missed Chelsea's draw with Manchester City ahead of the international break due to a shoulder injury, while 20-year-old Gusto had a knee injury show on a scan.
While Chelsea have been offered a number of positives, a big blow has emerged for their weekend opponents.
Read the full story here
Chelsea vs Newcastle injury news with Trippier update
As for Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino has also dealt with his fair share of injuries this season, but like Newcastle, those problems appear to be decreasing with Reece James, Benoit Badiashile and Armando Broja all returning in recent weeks. The two-week pause has also come at the perfect time for Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku with the duo, who are yet to play a competitive game for their new club, building up fitness levels at Cobham with it possible both could feature in the matchday squad.
Levi Colwill is also expected to be passed fit after missing the 4-4 draw with Manchester City and international duty with England because of a shoulder injury. Fellow defenders Thiago Silva and Malo Gusto are also said to be fine to feature after concerns emerged on the duo with the latter even pulling out of France's squad.
With significant focus on the latest injury news, another huge update has emerged ahead of the game that will serve as a major boost to Howe.
Read the full story here
Mudryk sends message to Donnarumma
Mykhailo Mudryk has responded to Gianluigi Donnarumma, who sympathised with Ukraine after they weren't awarded a late penalty in a crucial European Championship qualifier against Italy on Monday night. The Chelsea winger was brought down by Bryan Cristante inside the 18-yard box but the referee waved play on, denying Ukraine the chance to score the match-winner and book a place at Euro 2024.
In the dying embers of the clash, Oleksandr Zubkov fired a cross into the box. Mudryk latched onto the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder's pass, darting through the Italy defence. But, Cristante, who was shielding the heart of his side's backline, lunged in to intercept the delivery and brought the Blues ace down.
Mudryk was too quick for the Roma midfielder. As the 22-year-old winger clutched his ankle, there were tremendous calls for a spot-kick to be awarded but the Video Assistant Referee decided not to intervene.
After the game, the Italy goalkeeper got a class response from Mudryk despite the anger that surrounded the late decision.
Read the full story here
Was Palmer right to leave Man City and join Chelsea?
Speaking to Betway, Richard Dunne was asked if Palmer was right to leave Man City and join Chelsea. He replied: "It’s a shame he’s left City because he’s a very good player, but the opportunities probably weren’t going to be there for him over a full season.
"He’s almost made himself Chelsea’s main man already. He’s don’t superbly - he would say himself that it wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one for him."
Then, when asked if Palmer can make the England Euro 2024 squad, the former City defender said: "I think so if you go on current form. He’s probably ahead of some of the other England players who started against Malta now.
"So as long as he keeps playing games and keeps improving Chelsea, I don’t see why he wouldn’t be involved with England at the Euros."
Will Chelsea finish in the top-four?
Betfair: Premier League top four finish 2023/2024
Liverpool 1/7
Arsenal 1/7
Tottenham 6/5
Newcastle 8/5
Aston Villa 3/1
Man Utd 10/3
Chelsea 9/2
Brighton 9/1
Chekc out more HERE!
James update
Reece James has issued a promising injury update ahead of Chelsea's clash against Newcastle United this weekend. Eddie Howe will welcome the Blues to St. James' Park on Saturday afternoon as either side look to climb the Premier League table after the international break.
The Blues captain opted against joining the England squad this month in order to focus on his fitness having recently returned from injury. James missed a large chunk of the start of the Premier League campaign after suffering a hamstring problem, but the 23-year-old defender has since been given the all clear.
In fact, he has issued an update on his recovery on his Instagram story. Captioning an image of himself training under the lights at Cobham, he wrote: "Good start to the week."
Premier League clubs to vote on new transfer rule amid FFP chaos...
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur – as well as the 17 other Premier League clubs – will meet on Tuesday to vote on potential changes to related-party deals, which could have a big impact on how business is conducted in the English top-flight. The debate comes shortly after reports linking Ruben Neves with a controversial loan move to Newcastle United in January.
Premier League chiefs claim the proposal has not been designed to stop the Al-Hilal midfielder joining the Magpies, but is instead part of a wider debate over associated party transactions. So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at everything you need to know about the vote and how it could impact Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.
Read the full story HERE!
Toney interest
Chelsea are strongly considering making a big-money offer to Brentford in the January transfer window for striker Ivan Toney, football.london understands. The 27-year-old forward is set to return to action in the new year with his eight-month ban to come to an end.
Chelsea are one of numerous clubs with an interest in Toney. The Blues have liked the striker for a long time now and were considering making a move for him in the summer of 2022, prior to his long-term ban.
It is no secret that Chelsea are on the hunt for a new No.9. Nicolas Jackson is very highly-rated at the club and has been in superb form over the last couple of games but adding a proven goalscorer in January will ease the burden on the Senegalese striker somewhat.
Mbappe breaks silence
Kylian Mbappe remained coy when he was asked about his future at Paris Saint-Germain during the international break. The 24-year-old striker faces an increasingly uncertain future in the French capital, with his contract at Les Parc des Princes set to expire at the end of the season.
With Mbappe keeping his options open, the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid have been mooted as a potential destination. In an interview with French publication Telefoot, as quoted by GFNF, he remained tight-lipped on his future.
"It’s something I don’t want to talk about," said Mbappe. "Especially since I already did it in June and it took up a big part of the international break. I want us to talk more about the national team, rather than me talking about something that will be resolved one day, so there will be time to talk about that."
Newcastle boost
Newcastle have been dealt a major boost ahead of their meeting with Chelsea this weekend. Eddie Howe will welcome the Blues to St. James' Park on Saturday afternoon in what is expected to be a blockbuster clash.
The Magpies have struggled to juggle a growing injury list, but a win against the Blues could be the perfect catalyst ahead of a busy couple of weeks. In fact, according to Craig Hope, the Daily Mail's north-east football correspondent, Howe is expected to welcome back two big players from the treatment room this week.
The report states that Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak will be fit to face Chelsea this weekend, meanwhile Sean Longstaff remains a doubt despite his ankle issue beginning to 'settle quickly'. Hope adds that Sven Botman has 'progressed well' over the international break and 'should' avoid surgery if his knee doesn't swell up again.
Ferguson release clause...
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham's hopes of landing Brighton star Evan Ferguson may have taken a huge blow following the signing of a new long-term contract with the Seagulls. The 19-year-old had a breakout campaign for the Albion last time out, scoring six goals in 19 appearances.
While there may be interest from all three, one thing that is become abundantly clear is that any deal for Ferguson will likely cost astronomical money. Even more so after he signed a new contract until 2029 just a few days ago, marking an ever longer deal to break.
That's also added to the fact that the Athletic report that there's no release clause included in the deal that would make it any cheaper. For now it seems as though he will continue his development with Brighton until a suitable offer comes in from one of the huge clubs.
FFP worst-case scenario
The Premier League's financial rules have shook the world of football over the past week as the first hefty points deduction was handed out in the modern era of top flight English football. Everton were the recipients of such a punishment after an independent panel found them in breach of Profit and Sustainability regulations.
For Chelsea, there is a worst-case scenario ahead if they are to be hit with a punishment of their own in the coming months.
FFP verdict
The Premier League have opened up a can of worms after making Everton the first English club ever to be docked points for breaches of financial rules. The Toffees were handed their punishment with immediate effect last week as Sean Dyche saw his side go from untroubled mid-table mediocrity into the bottom three.
football.london writers have given their verdict on the situation and how it may impact Chelsea going forwards.
Toney update
Chelsea are strongly considering making a big-money offer to Brentford in the January transfer window for striker Ivan Toney, football.london understands. The 27-year-old forward is set to return to action in the new year with his eight-month ban to come to an end.
Good morning
Hello and welcome to today's Chelsea live blog. Here's a look at the biggest stories ahead of the day.
