Chelsea and Newcastle United are both dealing with a number of injury absentees for their huge

In the intense battle to qualify for next season's Champions League, the two teams both currently sit on 63 points and with the same goal difference, but the Magpies are a place higher having scored more goals.

Enzo Maresca has arguably his best possible starting XI available following the return of Romeo Lavia, but there are still some key players missing. Wesley Fofana is one of those with the Frenchman having been ruled out for the season because of another hamstring injury picked up in early April.

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A less serious issue has also seen Christopher Nkunku miss the last few games and his absence will continue over the weekend, but Maresca could welcome back young striker Marc Guiu.

"Marc could even be involved in the squad [vs Djurgardens]," . "We are not sure yet, we will make a decision on him, but he is getting closer. Maybe it's better for Marc to have a few more days of training, but he is very close to being back with us."

The Spaniard did not end up being included however and it is worth noting that even if he is available, the recent displays of Tyrique George could keep him out. Omari Kellyman and Aaron Anselmino are also missing through injury while a return date for Mykhailo Mudryk remains unclear after he tested positive for a banned substance.

At St James' Park, Eddie Howe has some key players out with injury and the majority of them are unlikely to be back before the end of the season. Lewis Hall, Matt Targett and Jamaal Lascelles are the defenders not expected to feature in the last few games.

Further forward, Joelinton is continuing to be plagued by a knee issue with Howe's latest update ruling him out of the Chelsea game.

"I saw Joe yesterday [Thursday] for the first time in a while, as he'd been away," he admitted. "He's been back in Barcelona for another injection. I think he's feeling pretty good. Whether we see him before the end of the season, we’ll see."

As for the minor injury doubts, Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar both departed the draw against Ipswich Town with potential issues. The latter was the main concern but he was spotted in training earlier this week and while neither were directly referenced, Howe's squad update suggests it could be good news.

"We’ve got a couple of players we’re looking at and assessing – and we’ll see how they are from the weekend," he said. "But apart from that, we’re OK, we trained well this week, I’ve been pleased with the group, very focused on Sunday."

Even with so many defenders out injured, if Schar joins that list, Sven Botman is back available and a more than capable replacement.