Chelsea
striker Diego Costa has suffered a broken nose but remains in contention to
face Newcastle on Saturday.
Costa suffered the injury while challenging for a header with an academy
player, who was brought in to train with the first team, according to Blues
manager Guus Hiddink.
The 27-year-old Spain international will be fitted with a mask and return to
light training later on Friday before meeting up with his team-mates ahead
of Saturday's game at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues remain unbeaten under Hiddink and could move 10 points clear of
the Premier League relegation places with victory over Steve McClaren's
side.
Chelsea will be without defender Kurt Zouma, who was ruled out for six
months after damaging knee ligaments against Manchester United on Sunday.
The France international underwent surgery on Wednesday and Hiddink says the
21-year-old is in good spirits, although disappointed about losing the
opportunity to represent his country at Euro 2016 this summer.
Hiddink refused to rule out the possibility of Chelsea offering club captain
John Terry a new contract, in light of Zouma's injury.
"We always told you the door was open," said the Dutch manager.
Hiddink also suggested that new signing Matt Miazga may be fast-tracked into
first-team action following the injury to Zouma.
Miazga, who only recently signed from New York Red Bulls, is one of a number
of options at centre-back which include Branislav Ivanovic and academy
player Jake Clarke-Salter.
However, Alexandre Pato is unavailable for selection against Newcastle. The
26-year-old, who has 27 caps for Brazil, is still working back to full
fitness and Chelsea hope to have him available for next weekend.
Hiddink says his team selection is likely to be influenced by the Blues'
Champions League last-16 first-leg tie at PSG on Tuesday, with one eye also
on Saturday week's FA Cup fifth-round fixture at home to Manchester City.
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