Chelsea Team News: Sarri Confirms Huge Double Boost Ahead Of Newcastle Trip

Chelsea will be looking to maintain their winning start to the new season when they take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.

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Maurizio Sarri has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this afternoon ahead of the game and given reporters a team news and injury update.

The Italian coach has confirmed a double boost with the news that Eden Hazard and Mateo Kovacic are both now considered fit enough to start – although neither player is likely to last the full ninety minutes.

Hazard has been eased back in to action with two substitute appearances so far this season after his late arrival to pre-season training following his exploits at the World Cup finals.

The Belgian international is now in contention to start against Newcastle but it will be interesting to see who Sarri drops out of Willian and Pedro if he recalls Hazard this weekend.

Kovacic has made just one substitute appearance since joining Chelsea on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid on deadline day with the midfielder coming on for the final 30 minutes during the win over Arsenal last week.

However, the Croatian international could make his full debut at St James’ Park with Ross Barkley the man most likely to make way as Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are certain to keep their places in midfield.

Sarri reports that Eden Hazard is ready for 50 or 60 minutes on Sunday, although he does not know if he can manage 90 minutes. #NEWCHE

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 24, 2018

Sarri says Kovacic and Hazard played very well together in the last 30 minutes of the Arsenal game, and that Kovacic is now also ready for 60 minutes. #NEWCHE

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 24, 2018

There was no update on the condition of Cesc Fabregas as the midfielder continues to nurse a leg injury that’s hampered him so far this season so it looks like the Spaniard will miss the trip to the north east on Sunday.

Otherwise Sarri has a strong squad to choose from with youngsters Marco van Ginkel and Izzy Brown the only other injury absentees but they wouldn’t have been near the first team this weekend even if fit.

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