Chelsea and Newcastle United will face off in a crucial Premier League match on May 12, 2025. Both teams are fighting for a top five finish and a Champions League spot next season. London, May 12, 2025—Chelsea and Newcastle United will clash on Sunday in a game that could reshape the top-five standings. Both sides are vying for a Champions League spot. Newcastle is currently in fourth, ahead of Chelsea on goal difference. The winner of this game, unless there’s a draw, will move into third place, one point ahead of Manchester City.
Regarding player fitness, young talent Lewis Hall’s season has been prematurely ended by an ankle injury. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe remarked that Hall is doing great, but it’s unlikely that he will play again this season. Hall is on the road to recovery, and there is confidence that he will be back next season.
Matty Targett is suffering from a hamstring issue, and it’s likely that his campaign is over. In late April, Howe reported that Targett lost this week to a slight hamstring problem. It’s not too serious, but it might be enough to end his season.
Jamaal Lascelles is struggling with a knee injury and could miss the rest of Newcastle’s fixtures. In early April, Howe said that it’s uncertain if Lascelles will play again this season. Lascelles has started very light, non-competitive training with the squad and has been looking good, but his recovery is a slow process.
There is a glimmer of hope for Joelinton’s return before the season ends. Howe stated that he saw Joelinton for the first time in a while. Joelinton briefly returned to Brazil and then went to Barcelona for another injection. He’s feeling better, and it will be seen if he can make an appearance before the season wraps up.
Fabian Schaar’s status is uncertain due to a limp, and it’s unclear if it’s a cramp or muscle injury. The team will assess him, along with a few other players, before Sunday’s game. Overall, the team is in good shape and had a productive training week, focusing on the upcoming match.
Kieran Trippier is expected to be fit. After Trippier came off in the last match, Howe said that it’s pretty sure Trippier’s issue was just cramp.
Anthony Gordon has featured recently but hasn’t been fit enough to start. Howe commented that Gordon is making progress. This has been his best physical week so far. Gordon picked up an issue with the England team, and it’s taken him a while to regain full fitness. He performed well when he came on against Brighton and adds a unique dimension to the team’s game with his direct running.
With so many key players on the sidelines, both Chelsea and Newcastle will have to carefully strategize to secure a crucial victory in this high-stakes Premier League encounter.