Chelsea suffer fresh injury blow ahead of Newcastle United clash

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed a fresh injury blow ahead of the club's Premier League clash at Newcastle United on Saturday.

The west London giants recently progressed to the last eight of the Carabao Cup following a penalty shoot-out triumph over Southampton.

Mateo Kovacic played through the entire 90 minutes of the encounter, but he is now set to miss multiple matches due to a hamstring injury.

The Croatian suffered the setback during the final minutes of yesterday's training session, and Tuchel has confirmed that he is out for 'some weeks'.

He said via Chelseafc.com: "We had some very sad news yesterday because he injured himself in the very last minute of training."

"It’s a hamstring injury and he will be out for some weeks. Hopefully after the international break he can be back here."

Kovacic has been in superb form for the Blues from the centre of the park this season. He has chipped in with one goal and five assists from nine league matches.

His absence is a definite blow as he has provided the creative presence from midfield with his delightful through balls behind opposition defences.

The Blues have sufficient cover with N'Golo Kante now fit to partner Jorginho, but the former has not been at his best this season.