Chelsea get huge boost for Champions League qualification as Newcastle hit by big injury blow

Newcastle United are licking their wounds - after a strong 3-0 showing against Ipswich saw them lose a key player - as they eye an upcoming fixture against Chelsea on May 11. Joelinton didn't even get onto the field for the match in the Ipswich clash after the Brazilian was again troubled by a continuing knee injury - an issue that resurfaced during training just before the first whistle of the Premier League match against The Tractor Boys.

Saturday’s match saw Sven Botman return from knee surgery after almost three months on the side-lines. The Magpies won the match thanks to goals from Alexander Isak, Dan Burn and Will Osula. Joelinton is now facing a tense wait to see if he can take part in the crucial stages of the season after his latest knee grievance. The midfielder, who was troubled by the same issue earlier in the campaign, is due to visit a specialist and undergo further scans to establish the full extent of the damage.

After Joelinton was unable to play in the Ipswich Town clash, Joe Willock stepped in as his replacement. The Magpies' faithful are now anxiously awaiting news on whether he'll be fit for the upcoming Brighton and Hove Albion game or if he'll miss more of the Premier League run-in. There is a good chance that if he misses the upcoming contest against The Seagulls then his availability against Chelsea the following weekend - will also be called into question.

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Eddie Howe, speaking to Chronicle Live after the 3-0 triumph, shared: "Joelinton is going to see a specialist actually, I am sure he will be scanned there as well. He trained yesterday and felt his knee was not 100% right."

Howe added, "That is the knee he had the injury with earlier in the season. He has done brilliantly to play through the amount of games he has without being 100% fit, but he got to the point where he feels he needs a slight intervention. So we will keep our fingers crossed it is not serious."

The £40million man was sidelined for 28 days previously this year, missing five matches, yet returned in time to help Newcastle clinch the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley. Despite Howe's pre-game praise for Willock, the midfielder struggled to make an impact in Joelinton's stead during the game with Ipswich Town, reports .

Eddie Howe reflected on his squad depth, acknowledging: "We miss Joelinton, he's going to be a big miss for us but Willock has great qualities as well. We're looking forward to seeing how he does, and we have a strong bench as well." His side also have a couple of long-term injuries that most likely will not see the return of Lewis Hall (ankle/foot) and Jamaal Lascelles (knee) this campaign.

Chelsea will take on Liverpool on Sunday, May 4 at home as part of their Premier League fixtures before competing against Djurgården in their mid-week first leg of the semi-final of the Europa Conference League They will then head north for their contest against Newcastle the following Sunday for another Premier League match.

Off the pitch, the two sides are reportedly competing for the signature of Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper . The Swiss shot stopper is believed to be an attractive option for both clubs as he is seen as a viable replacement for No1 goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who has divided opinion among Blues' supporters due to some erratic performances this season. Newcastle apparently see the move as a good way to inject some healthy competition between the sticks for current goalkeeper Nick Pope. According to on X, Kobel's agent will be in London soon to meet with clubs about a possible move, reported The Sun. And it is believed Newcastle and Chelsea are amongst the Premier League organisations already making inquiries.