With the November international break close to reaching its conclusion, attention is now switching to the return of the Premier League with Chelsea taking on Newcastle. The Blues are now firmly in the midst of their challenging fixture run-in although they head up north with confidence after taking four points of Tottenham and Manchester City prior to the break.

Regardless of Chelsea's recent form against fellow teams vying for European qualification, St James Park is a tough place to go as evidenced by Arsenal, Man City and Paris Saint-Germain, in three different competitions, all leaving empty-handed.

The injury crisis that had been plaguing Eddie Howe's side also looks to have lessened with both Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron expected to be fit for the clash. However, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Callum Wilson, Jacob Murphy and several others will not make the fixture.

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. According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Kieran Trippier missed England's 1-1 draw in North Macedonia because of a personal matter and he has since returned to Newcastle training with it not expected the issue will stop him from playing this weekend.

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The former Tottenham man is crucial to the Magpies building attacks down the right and his absence would have been a cruel blow for the hosts. Burn being side lined until the end of the year could see Trippier play at left-back with Tino Livramento on the right as Lewis Hall cannot play against his parent club which sets up an exciting battle of Trippier facing up to fellow England colleague and Chelsea captain James.