Eddie Howe has provided updates on Callum Wilson and Kieran Tripper ahead of Chelsea's trip to St James' Park at the weekend. Newcastle United are set to welcome the Blues to Tyneside on Saturday, November 12, as Graham Potter looks to return winning ways.
Chelsea head into the tie following back-to-back defeats in the Premier League. The west Londoners are winless in their previous four league games and have slipped out of the top-four.
The Magpies, on the other hand, have enjoyed a great vein of form recently, winning each of their last four games. They now sit third and are six points ahead of seventh-placed Chelsea.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly can sign perfect 'Didier Drogba heir' if Chelsea win £40m transfer race with Man Utd
Wilson and Tripper have both heavily contributed towards Newcastle's great form this season but their availability for the clash was in doubt. The former was brought off at half-time in the Magpies' tie with Southampton after feeling unwell, while the latter suffered up a hamstring knock at the weekend.
Speaking to the press ahead of Newcastle's clash with Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, Howe provided on update on the duo. The Magpies boss began with Wilson.
"He's okay," Howe said. "He's been ill for a few days so he's a little bit run down but we'll see how he is again today."
Then, on Trippier, he added: "There's no problems with Kieran. It always looks more than it is when the physio comes onto the pitch but he came out second-half and he was fine. As I said after the game it was my decision to take him off."
Howe stated ahead of the clash against Southampton that his dream at Newcastle was to win a trophy, though he did hint that there could be changes with his team selection.
"The league form is so important to us as well but in every competitions we enter we want to give the best representation of ourselves," he added. "I said very early on here that my dream is to try and win something for Newcastle and that hasn't changed.
"We have a lot of players that are eager to play and show their qualities. We have a tight turnaround with three games in six days so we'll try and make the right call for the team while acknowledging that we're desperate to progress."
Chelsea's clash with Newcastle makes for an interesting watch with the result set to have a significant impact on the race for top-four come the end of the season. As the Blues slip down the table, Graeme Souness has warned Graham Potter that Champions League qualification shouldn't be taken for granted.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Liverpool defender said: "The normal order [at the top of the Premier League] is changing. You’d have to say Liverpool and maybe Chelsea are in danger. There could be an opening for Newcastle, definitely in the top six.
"But the team I’m watching right now, if Newcastle maintain this form in terms of performances and attitude and they don’t suffer a load of injuries, they could easily end up in the top four. You have to give them credit.
"It’s looking very good for them. I know how difficult that job is. I know how difficult it is to get everyone onside up there. They’re a frustrated lot and it’s born out of years and years of what they see as underachievement. That was the most difficult job I had."
READ NEXT:
Todd Boehly faces £100m question as Chelsea transfer problem laid bare by Manchester City
Chelsea and Tottenham face Premier League fixture chaos after Champions League dates confirmed
UEFA Champions League draw in full as Chelsea, Tottenham, Man City and Liverpool discover fate
Jude Bellingham set for Chelsea transfer audition as Graham Potter learns Champions League draw
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
