Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino are just a few days away from returning to Premier League action when they face Newcastle this Saturday.
Both teams head into the clash full of injury concerns as the Magpies are without Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Callum Wilson, but Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron are all expected to be available. As for Chelsea, much of the focus will be on Christopher Nkunku with Pochettino's plan to prove his fitness ahead of Newcastle being revealed.
Following Everton being docked 10 points, FFP concerns regarding Chelsea have began to emerge however some worries have been eased with clarity provided on the Blues' situation. Elsewhere, January transfer target Ivan Toney has sent a clear warning ahead of his football return with Brentford amid Chelsea's keen interest.
With that said, football.london has got you covered for all the latest Chelsea news with regular team news, transfer rumours and injury updates to come throughout the day!
Mudryk exit
Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk has been urged to find the "right environment" following his early struggles at the club, which have been blamed on the setup currently in place. The Ukraine international has been with the Blues for nearly one-year now, following on from his dramatic transfer saga.
Ivan 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.
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Messi verdict
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has described the moment he and his team-mates tried to intervene in the crowd trouble that ensued in his side's clash with Brazil in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Rivalries were renewed once more as the two historic national teams did battle in the World Cup qualifiers.
FFP clarity given to Chelsea
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. Fears have understandably increased for Chelsea based on Everton's punishment for just one charge, but those concerns have been somewhat eased with journalist Ben Jacobs providing some clarity.
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Nkunku injury return plan
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.
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Brazil Argentina chaos
Old rivalries were renewed in the early hours of Wednesday morning as Brazil hosted Enzo Fernandez's Argentina in a huge international fixture that was mired in chaotic scenes in the stands as police clashed with fans. The violent scenes started just before the match got underway, during the part reserved for national anthems.
Good morning
Hello and welcome to today's dedicated Chelsea live blog on football.london. For all the latest Blues injury updates, transfer rumours and team news stay with us throughout the day!
FFP talk has dominated the headlines over the international break following news of Everton's 10-point deduction. Chelsea have faced similar punishment in recent years and while no charges are currently in play, concerns are still prominent with Blues supporters.
However, the Premier League is set to return this weekend with Chelsea taking on Newcastle where several players from both teams could make their injury comeback. Christopher Nkunku is one of those with the tasks he faces to prove his fitness ahead of the clash being revealed.
Elsewhere, January target Ivan Toney has sent a warning with just under two months until he makes his return to football. Here are your Chelsea morning headlines:
- Chelsea and Newcastle injury news latest
- Nkunku return plan
- FFP update with relegation clarity
- Toney warning
- And much more
