Christian Atsu to miss Newcastle clash against Chelsea

Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu has been denied the chance to play against his former club Chelsea on Saturday after being ruled out through injury.

The 25-year-old has not featured for the side since he suffered a thigh problem in the side's 1-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on November 4.

The Ghanaian has been ruled out of the side's Premier League game against West Brom at the Hawthorns tonight and will not be available for the clash against the Blues this weekend.

Manager Rafa Benitez does not expect the wideman and two others to be fit for the clash at Stamford Bridge.

Asked for an injury update, Benitez said: "Each one is different.

"Dummett's training, but still he needs to have the confidence that he can sprint at 100% and all these things, so still a little time.

"Atsu is still recovering, but still a couple of weeks. We'll see how he's going on with his recovery.

"Jamaal, I have been talking with. He can run, but still he needs to manage it a little bit when he has to turn.

"How long? Not for this game. Chelsea? Very difficult for all three."

The Magpies are without a win in four matches as pressure mount on the Spaniard manager.