Chelsea manager confirms midfielder won't face Newcastle

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that summer signing Romeo Lavia has yet to recover from his knee injury.

The Belgian joined the Blues in a big-money transfer from Southampton over the summer but has yet to make his debut for the club.

He was anticipated to make his first appearance after the October international break, but picked up a setback in training.

Pochettino has now revealed that the former Manchester City graduate has not recovered and won't be involved against Newcastle United.

However, Christopher Nkunku could make his first-team bow during the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

Nkunku suffered a knee injury in pre-season and has been handled with extra caution. He could get a few minutes off the bench.

The Blues are currently 17 points behind Arsenal for the top spot in the Premier League while they are 11 adrift of the fifth spot.

Hence, winning the Carabao Cup could present their best chance of qualifying for European football in the 2024/25 campaign.