Estevao in, James out - Chelsea training before PSGpublished at 11:58 GMT 16 March
11:58 GMT 16 March
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Chelsea winger Estevao Willian was back in training on Monday but captain Reece James was not involved before the Blues host Paris St-Germain in the Champions League.
The 18-year-old was in an open training session having not played since early February in the win over Hull City in the FA Cup fourth round.
However, it remains unclear whether Estevao will be involved against PSG on Tuesday night, with James and goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen not taking part.
Defender Levi Colwill was also involved but is unlikely to be available while still recovering from a major knee injury, with midfielder Dario Essugo also involved having played for the under-21s at the weekend.
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior is likely to confirm the situation in his media conference at 15:00 GMT on Monday.
Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle - the fans' verdictpublished at 10:48 GMT 16 March
10:48 GMT 16 March
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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Newcastle.
Here are some of your comments:
Chelsea fans
Paul: We need to rebuild this squad with genuine talent and a sprinkling of experience. Manager talks a good job but not up to the task in front of him unfortunately. Long way to go before we start challenging for titles/cups...
Jack: Yes, Newcastle were well prepared and set-up well, but we are starting to look lost at sea. Too many individual performances and no tangible sense of a collective team mentality and strategy. I'm usually optimistic, but knowing how tough Tuesday will be it's hard to feel excited about the remaining fixtures.
Nick: I can take losing. What I can't stomach right now is the way we play. No fight, no urgency, no invention, no pace. Just endless side to side, possession for the sake of it. Dull, dull, dull. Dull and losing isn't acceptable.
Alan: It's very simple. Rosenior hasn't got a clue.
Nick: Day one Rosenior said he wanted to play football to get the fans out of their seats. Well it's working - we can't get to the bars quick enough at half and full time...
Newcastle fans
Jack: Great away performance, smash and grab style. Everyone did their job as ordered and Chelsea couldn't make it through. Barring a bit of magic from James' freekick which nearly suckered punched the result, it was a great performance. A good run could put them in the Champions League conversation.
Tony: Very impressive performance from Newcastle. I had low expectations given our away form this season but at last, our defensive solidity returned. Could it be a result of our best back four starting? That's a rare event these days thanks to injuries.
Alvin: An away win? At Chelsea? Totally unexpected but pleasantly surprised. The return of Livramento showed how much we missed him, and perhaps we could yet put on a decent run to end the season. Woltemade looked a bit more comfortable in midfield; perhaps when Bruno returns the team would be at its strongest. Bring on Barca!!
Farhan: You see the old spark which earned us the cup and a CL place return when Tino and Joelinton play. An enjoyable game with an unbelievable atmosphere and result.
Iain: In Hall and Livramento, Newcastle have surely got England's left and right back for the World Cup this summer. The question is how many of their team mates will join them in America. Burn and Gordon are nailed on but surely Harvey Barnes is in with a shout too. Will Pope get a spot? Could his teammate Ramsdale replace him?
Gossip: Chelsea step up Messi pursuitpublished at 07:08 GMT 16 March
07:08 GMT 16 March
Chelsea could accelerate plans to sign French winger Rayane Messi, 18, from Strasbourg amid growing interest from Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Paris St-Germain. (Teamtalk), external
Ref Tierney's position in Chelsea huddle 'confusing'published at 12:26 GMT 15 March
12:26 GMT 15 March
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Former Wales international Ashley Williams says he was "confused" by referee Paul Tierney's position in the centre of Chelsea's huddle ahead of their game with Newcastle.
Tierney was standing over the ball prior to kick-off but did not move away as Chelsea players gathered around him for their pre-match huddle, much to the bemusement of some of the Blues' starting XI.
Cole Palmer jokingly wrapped his arms around Tierney before staring quizzically at the official, who merely smiled back at the England international as Trevoh Chalobah and Enzo Fernandez watched on in amusement.
"I'm as confused as Cole Palmer as to why Paul Tierney is standing over the ball and protecting it," Williams told BBC Match of the Day.
"We know Chelsea are doing it, I don't have a problem with it, do it wherever.
"For the ref to stand in there, it just makes a farce of the whole thing."
Former Man City goalkeeper Joe Hart added he "didn't feel it was something that should be going on in the Premier League."
"It felt like something that could have been addressed before the game, they've done it in previous games," Hart said.
"Sort it out before, we don't need to be seeing this."
Chelsea analysis: Myriad of problems for Bluespublished at 20:28 GMT 14 March
20:28 GMT 14 March
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea are faltering at a key moment in the season and, most concerning of all, there are numerous problems for Liam Rosenior to solve.
From issues in goal, indiscipline and conceding from set-pieces - but it was an open‑play goal and lax marking that allowed Newcastle to take the lead.
As is so typical with Chelsea, they had been playing well, but a lapse in concentration from multiple players saw their tactical structure collapse and leave them vulnerable.
There was, however, a new issue on Saturday evening - a real lack of creativity.
This was despite Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Alejandro Garnacho all starting. It was the quietest outing in recent weeks for in‑form striker Joao Pedro, signed from under Newcastle's noses in the summer, while Liam Delap's introduction offered little lift.
Chelsea were without wingers Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian through injury, while Pedro Neto was absent through a self‑inflicted additional one‑game ban for his reaction to being sent off at Arsenal last month. It was another sign that indiscipline - albeit indirectly - affected Chelsea on the night.
It was in defeat at Arsenal where Robert Sanchez lost his number one status. Drafted back in after Filip Jorgensen's midweek mistake at Paris St‑Germain, it marked the fourth goalkeeper change in five games.
There are questions whether decisions like that are unsettling, even for a team of exciting talents like Chelsea who lost their way after Newcastle scored against the run of play.
Both Wesley Fofana and Moises Caicedo were booked shortly afterwards, with Caicedo now on nine Premier League bookings - one away from a two‑game ban.
It is now a myriad of issues plaguing Chelsea as they falter in their bid to qualify for the Champions League, having lost 5‑2 to PSG on Wednesday - and it is hard to see them finding consistency with so much to resolve.
Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle: What Rosenior saidpublished at 20:11 GMT 14 March
20:11 GMT 14 March
Media caption,
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, speaking to BBC Match of the Day after their defeat by Newcastle: "The result isn't the one we wanted. We just lacked the cutting edge today. At the moment, the lads aren't getting what they deserve. We need to find ways to have more quality in the final third.
"In the first 15 minutes we found Cole [Palmer] and Joao [Pedro] in really good positions. The goal knocked the wind out of our sails. Football's about momentum and that goal gave them momentum.
"We tried to find a tactical solution rather than a personnel solution, and we didn't do that this evening.
"Things aren't always as great as you think they are when they're going well, and things aren't always as bad as they are when you're going through a difficult spell. I can't remember Rob [Sanchez] having much to do.
"We need to make sure the players recover. We need to monitor them and see who's fresh [for PSG]."
On Chelsea players' huddles: "A lot of things are being made of it. To me, it's a show of respect. It was disappointing to see the referee stood in the middle. I don't know. It's not in the rules. I don't understand."
On Chelsea wanting a penalty for Nick Woltemade's foul on Palmer: "I don't understand how it's not overturned."
Did you know?
Chelsea's 22 shots was their most attempts without scoring in a Premier League home game since April 2023 against Aston Villa (27).
Chelsea v Newcastle: Team newspublished at 16:34 GMT 14 March
16:34 GMT 14 March
Rob Sanchez is preferred as Chelsea's goalkeeper, having been left out against Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa in the past week.
Previously first-choice Filip Jorgensen does not make the matchday squad.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho is drafted in as the second change from the side that lost 5–2 at Paris St-Germain, replacing Pedro Neto, who has been given an additional game ban for the manner in which he left the field after being sent off against Arsenal.
Tino Livramento starts against former club Chelsea as Newcastle United make six changes for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Livramento has not lined up from the off since suffering a hamstring injury back in January, but he is fit enough to start this evening.
Sven Botman, Joe Willock, Nick Woltemade, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon have also been recalled as head coach Eddie Howe freshens up his side following the 1-1 draw against Barcelona in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on Tuesday night.
Sandro Tonali misses out altogether through illness.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Sunderland v Brighton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Everton", for instance.
Chelsea v Newcastle: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:57 GMT 13 March
19:57 GMT 13 March
Matt Jones BBC Sport journalist
After late heartbreak in the Champions League for both Chelsea and Newcastle United, each side will be looking to bounce back when they meet in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (17:30 GMT).
Chelsea competed well for long spells against Paris St-Germain, only for a late capitulation to cost them three goals. They have a 5-2 deficit to overcome in the second leg next week back in London.
Newcastle were hit by a sucker punch at home to Barcelona in their own last-16 first leg. Having been the better side for much of the contest, an 86th-minute strike from Harvey Barnes was cancelled out by Lamine Yamal's penalty deep into injury time.
Joao Pedro and Fernandez cover up Chelsea defensive concerns
Head coach Liam Rosenior may still be struggling to find a balance at the back for Chelsea, but he has been able to get the best out of a number of attacking players - Joao Pedro especially.
While former head coach Enzo Maresca used the Brazilian in different ways, under Rosenior his focus has clearly shifted towards being at the point of the attack.
Under the new boss he is averaging more shots per game - up to 3.17 from 1.92 - and creating fewer chances as a result - 0.62, down from 1.32. He is also making more runs in behind the opposition defence and is coming short for the ball less often.
The end result has been a huge uplift in his goalscoring threat.
Chelsea also have one of the most productive midfielders in European football on their books in Enzo Fernandez.
Since the start of last season, only Bruno Fernandes (59) has more goal involvements among midfielders for Premier League clubs in all competitions than the Blues star. Fernandez was superb in Paris, grabbing a goal and an assist in a losing cause.
Chelsea need all the goals they can get as there are big problems at the back.
Rosenior is yet to name the same defence in any of his games in charge at Chelsea and they have kept only three clean sheets from his 16 games.
No forward momentum for Newcastle
At times this season there have been sections of the Newcastle team that have worked well. But in the final third they remain a puzzle.
Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have both struggled since big-money moves in the summer. Eddie Howe handed an opportunity to William Osula to lead the line against Barcelona despite his inexperience, and at times he has opted against fielding a striker at all.
The search for a formula that works is no surprise given the respective performances of the players. The trio have made a total of 44 appearances between them this calendar year and have only six goal contributions to show for it - three goals and three assists.
It has been a running theme for Newcastle throughout the season. Of all the teams in the Premier League in 2025-26, their percentage of goals from forwards is the lowest in the division, with just a third of their 42 goals coming from attackers.
Even some of their best technical midfielders have struggled to find the back of the net. Sandro Tonali has had 28 shots without scoring in 2025-26, more than any other player in the league.
Stamford Bridge has not been a happy hunting ground for Newcastle in recent years either. They have lost 11 and drawn one of their past 12 games there since a 2-0 win in 2012.
Sutton's predictions: Chelsea v Newcastlepublished at 19:55 GMT 13 March
19:55 GMT 13 March
Chelsea's recent record against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge is really good - they have won 11 of their 12 league games there since 2012, and drew the other one.
I just wonder how deflated Liam Rosenior's side will be after being pumped in Paris on Wednesday night - Paris St-Germain's fifth goal felt like a real hammer blow.
This game finished 2-2 earlier in the season when Nick Woltemade put Newcastle 2-0 up, before Chelsea fought back in the second half.
Newcastle will be hoping Anthony Gordon is back at 100% after his illness that meant he was only a substitute against Barcelona on Tuesday.
But even if Gordon does start, I am still pretty confident Chelsea will win this one.
How is Champions League race looking?published at 17:31 GMT 13 March
17:31 GMT 13 March
Chris Collinson BBC Sport statistician
With fifth place likely to lead to Champions League qualification again, just three points separate Manchester United, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool for a place in the top five, with one of those sides looking set to miss out.
Some would say Villa have the easiest run-in of the quartet. After a tough trip to Old Trafford this weekend, they face four of the bottom six in their next six games, although whether playing sides fighting for survival is an advantage at this stage is debatable.
Liverpool are the team currently outside the top five. They have the chance to build momentum against a run of mid-table sides before tackling a daunting series of games in May, when they play all three of their Champions League-chasing rivals in succession.
A couple of months ago, Aston Villa looked almost nailed on for a top-five finish as they sat at least eight points clear of the other three teams despite their underlying numbers being much worse.
They were even portrayed as possible title contenders, but a spate of injuries to key players and a drying-up of the xG-defying screamers they scored from outside the box earlier in the season allowed their rivals to make up ground.
'A relief' to keep James 'in his prime' - fan viewspublished at 16:58 GMT 13 March
16:58 GMT 13 March
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Reece James signing a new six‑year deal that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2032.
Here are some of your comments:
Andy: Reece James is one of the Premier League's best players and is undoubtedly World class. Also nice to see a player being loyal to one club. If Chelsea can find a better keeper and get their first choice centre backs fit, and as the rest of the squad improve with age and experience, he could captain them to real success in the next five years.
James: I think this deal is definitely a relief, I was expecting us to lose him given his recent form. Hopefully with a new rebuild he can cement himself in history with a league or two.
Liam: It's been good to see James begin living up to his potential thanks to an injury free run in the team. I don't think any Chelsea fan has ever doubted his ability. Moving forward, I think he could be a pillar to mould a successful team around - he already has a decent trophy haul but if he can add to that in the coming years and be a key man, there is no reason why he can't be talked about in the same conversations as Lampard, Terry, Drogba et al.
Richard: What Reece James can achieve is dependent on having a top class goalkeeper, central defenders and a reliable goal-scoring striker to support Joao Pedro. Not having periods of panic where too many goals are conceded and positive results are squandered would be rather helpful too.
Louis: On his day, James is one of the world's best. Chelsea have stressed me out a lot this season, but I'm at my most relaxed when James is on the ball. His crossing ability is absurd, and his composure and calm is desperately needed in a team of youngsters. We get him in his prime, what better news could a Chelsea fan ask for?
Keith: Great to hear that Reece has signed until 2032. Now all we need is to find a manager who will play him in his best position (full back), and not waste him in midfield.
Neto given additional ban and finepublished at 16:55 GMT 13 March
16:55 GMT 13 March
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has received a fine and additional ban following his red card against Arsenal at the beginning of March.
The 26-year-old was sent off after being given a second yellow card in the Premier League game on 1 March, of which he served his initial suspension against Aston Villa, but has been issued a further one-match ban and a £70,000 fine after accepting a charge of misconduct from the Football Association.
In a statement on Friday, the FA said: "It was alleged that the player acted in an improper manner by failing to leave the pitch promptly and/or using abusive words towards the match official/s following his dismissal in the 70th minute.
"Pedro Neto subsequently admitted the charge against him. An independent Regulatory Commission imposed these sanctions following a hearing, and the written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course."
The Portugal international will now miss the Blues' match at home to Newcastle on Saturday.
This punishment comes as Chelsea and Neto wait to see if there will be any further action taken by Uefa after the winger pushed a ball boy late on in their Champions League defeat by Paris St-Germain on Wednesday night.
Rosenior likens Fernandez frustration to Keane's demand of standardspublished at 16:55 GMT 13 March
16:55 GMT 13 March
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has defended vice-captain Enzo Fernandez for his 'Roy Keane-like' reaction to goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen's mistake at Paris St-Germain.
Fernandez, who scored Chelsea's second goal at PSG, was seen berating Jorgensen and throwing the ball towards him after the goalkeeper's misplaced pass led to Vitinha's third goal.
Chelsea went on to lose 5-2 at the Parc des Princes and face a difficult task in the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie.
Asked about the incident after reviewing the footage, Rosenior said: "As a player with passion, he wants to win. Roy Keane did that, probably.
"Roy Keane was my manager, but Roy Keane as a player probably did that 20 times a game. I want a team with a culture of accountability where we can demand from each other in the moment.
"Enzo loves Filip, Enzo wants the best for him, Enzo believes in him. In that moment he was frustrated with something that happened, and that's normal, isn't it?"
He added: "In the social media climate now, any small thing can become the biggest thing based on the number of clicks it gets. The reality is nowhere near as big as it's made out to be. They're best mates, and they spoke as soon as they got back into the dressing room."
Chelsea next welcome Newcastle to Stamford Bridge on Saturday in the Premier League.
Rosenior on Gittens' return, Neto's ball boy incident and Jorgensenpublished at 13:26 GMT 13 March
13:26 GMT 13 March
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 17:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Jamie Gittens is back involved with the squad after a hamstring injury.
Estevao is "a little further away" from a return, and will be assessed again ahead of Tuesday's second leg tie against PSG.
On Reece James' new contract with the club: "I can't stop smiling because we've secured the best footballer in the world in his position. He had many opportunities to leave this club."
On the Pedro Neto incident against PSG, where he appeared to push a ball boy: "I've seen the incident back, it doesn't look good. I understand his perspective, he wants to get the ball back quickly. He wanted to apologise straight away. It's about learning from those mistakes and making sure it doesn't happen again."
On if Filip Jorgensen was mentally prepared to play again after his mistake led to a goal in their defeat at PSG: "For sure. Everyone makes mistakes, in life and football. It's how you recover. I have no lack of trust in the two goalkeepers I have."
On if he will be prioritising the Newcastle game after a 5-2 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League tie with PSG: "I don't prioritise any competition. The next game we play, we want to win. We still have a great chance if we get the first goal on Tuesday night against PSG."
'Chelsea means so much to me' - James on new dealpublished at 12:02 GMT 13 March
12:02 GMT 13 March
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea captain Reece James says he always wanted his "peak years to be here" after signing a new long-term deal with the club.
The 26-year-old boyhood Blues supporter has signed a six-year contract to keep him at the club until 2032.
A product of the youth academy, James made his debut in 2019 and has now appeared 225 times for Chelsea, scoring 16 goals and providing 31 assists.
During his time with the first team, he has won the Champions League in 2021, along with the Uefa Super Cup in the same year, as well as the Conference League and Club World Cup in 2025.
"I am over the moon to have extended my contract - Chelsea means so much to me," said James.
"I have always said I want my peak years to be here, and I truly believe we have everything it takes to build on our previous successes.
"I'm excited for the future under this ownership, sporting directors, coach and all the staff, and hopefully we will lift many more trophies together over the coming years."
Recurring injury issues halted his progress in recent seasons but he has been a much more consistent figure in the side this campaign having featured 35 times, starting on 27 occasions.
Chelsea sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart added: "It is a proud moment for all of us to have Reece extend his contract.
"He is the leader of this team, both on and off the pitch. Reece knows what it means to wear this badge and, having committed his long-term future to Chelsea, we're looking forward to continuing the journey and working towards further success together."
How important is is that the Blues captain puts his injury issues behind him now? Where could James go on to rank among club legends?
What can James go on to achieve with Chelsea?published at 11:00 GMT 13 March
11:00 GMT 13 March
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea captain Reece James has agreed a new six‑year deal that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2032 - and we want your thoughts.
The 26‑year‑old is a youth product at Chelsea and made his first-team debut for the Blues in September 2019.
The England international is Chelsea's highest‑paid player on £250,000 a week, and he has started 19 of his 26 games for the Blues so far this season.
James has suffered a number of injuries throughout his Chelsea career, and having stayed fit for the majority of this season fans will be hoping he can now push on as Chelsea skipper.
So, what do you make of the news? And if he remains fit, what could James go on to achieve as Chelsea's leader on the pitch? Where could he end up ranking among Blues legends?
Filip Jorgensen made an error that sparked Chelsea's collapse in Wednesday's 5–2 defeat in the French capital, while Robert Sanchez was criticised for his performance against Arsenal before subsequently being left out.
There are also concerns about leadership, despite James' impressive displays, with vice‑captain Enzo Fernandez seen throwing the ball at Jorgensen and shouting at him following the mistake.
And then there is the small matter of Newcastle's visit to west London, which promises to be a difficult match on Saturday (17:30 GMT kick-off).
Head coach Liam Rosenior is likely to get into all these themes in his media conference, which is scheduled to start at 12:00.
Come back to this page later on Friday for all the key lines from Rosenior.
