Chelsea Team News: Mourinho On Costa, Matic & Cahill Ahead Of Newcastle Game

Chelsea will look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table when the take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.

Ahead of the game, Jose Mourinho has been speaking to the media at his press conference this afternoon and gave reporters a team news and injury update.

The big question mark was over Gary Cahill’s fitness after the defender was forced off at half-time during Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Tottenham following a clash of heads with Jan Vertonghen in the early stages of the game.

Mourinho said after the match on Wednesday night that Cahill was withdrawn as a precaution and not because he had suffered concussion, and the Blues boss has confirmed today that the centre-back is fit and available to face the Magpies.

Diego Costa missed the win over Spurs due to a one-match ban after picking up five yellow cards this season but Mourinho also confirmed that the Spanish international would return to the starting eleven, despite Didier Drogba’s impressive goal-scoring display during his absence.

Nemanja Matic will miss the game this weekend after collecting his fifth yellow card of the campaign against Spurs, but Mourinho insists it won’t be a problem as he trusts all his players, with John Obi Mikel expected to be the man to come in and fill the Serbian’s boots.

The Portuguese coach revealed that he has no fresh injuries to contend with so Nathan Ake remains out with a hamstring injury while Ramires confirmed on Instagram yesterday that he’s currently out with a niggling thigh injury so will also miss the Newcastle game this weekend.

Chelsea head into the game at St James’ Park sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League table and Mourinho will no doubt be keen to extend that advantage with another victory to really put the pressure on second-placed Manchester City ahead of their clash with Everton later in the day.

Although Nemanja Matic is suspended, Jose says he trusts all of his players in the squad. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) December 5, 2014

Mourinho confirms Costa will start, despite Drogba form.

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) December 5, 2014

Mourinho confirms Cahill fine for Newcastle, no other injury news.

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) December 5, 2014