Chelsea Team News & Injury Update: Cech, Luiz, Mata & More…

Chelsea play Newcastle United at St James Park on Saturday afternoon looking to get back to winning ways in the league.

Interim boss Rafa Benitez has been speaking at his weekly press conference on Friday and has given the club’s official website a team news and injury update ahead of the game including the latest on Juan Mata, Petr Cech, John Terry and David Luiz.

First choice goalkeeper Cech hasn’t featured in the last two games due to a groin injury but has taken part in training on Friday and is fit to face the Geordies. Midfielder Mata was forced off early during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Reading but the Spaniard also trained today so is in contention to play this weekend.

Captain Terry was left on the bench in midweek but Benitez confirmed he’s available for selection, but Luiz continues to miss out with a knee injury and joins Oriol Romeu on the sidelines. Benitez told Chelseafc.com:

‘Mata was training today and so was Petr Cech, and both are available for selection, Terry is available too. It’s another option we have.’

‘David Luiz, though, is still injured, along with Oriol Romeu.’

Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel are still away on international duty with Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations while Eden Hazard completes his three-match ban for ‘kicking’ a ball-boy during the Capital One Cup second leg with Swansea.

Now we’ve seen the team news, what would be your preferred starting eleven this weekend? Get involved in the comments section below.