Chalobah missing as Howe names six changes for Stamford Bridge trip
chalobah is absent from Newcastle United’s confirmed side as Eddie Howe made six changes for the trip to Stamford Bridge, with Tino Livramento handed his first Premier League start since January; kick-off 1: 30pm ET. Howe brought Sven Botman, Joe Willock, Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy into the starting XI, naming Murphy as captain, while Sandro Tonali misses out through illness. The match followed Newcastle’s midweek Champions League last-16 first-leg draw with Barcelona at St. James’ Park.
Confirmed Newcastle changes and team list
Eddie Howe, head coach of Newcastle United, adjusted his side with six switches from the midweek line-up, restoring Tino Livramento to the starting role. The confirmed starting XI read: Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Malick Thiaw, Tino Livramento, Jacob Murphy (c), Nick Woltemade, Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey. Substitutes listed on the bench included Nick Pope, John Ruddy, Kieran Trippier, Joelinton, Yoane Wissa, Will Osula, Anthony Elanga, Dan Burn and Alex Murphy. Sandro Tonali was absent from the matchday selection due to illness.
Chalobah not in Newcastle’s matchday mix
The matchday documentation and confirmed lists contain no appearance or bench role for chalobah. Newcastle’s selection and substitutes were published showing the players available to Howe for the trip to Stamford Bridge, and chalobah is not among them.
Rosenior’s reaction after Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat
Liam Rosenior, Chelsea head coach, spoke after the 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge that left his side booed off by home supporters. Rosenior said: “Yeah, there’s a tactical issue. We press in a different way to most teams. It’s a new way of pressing. We don’t step on the press and we don’t cover in a position that we should have done. Mistakes happen. ” He added that Newcastle “had nothing” in the game and that a single error produced the decisive goal.
Rosenior also highlighted attacking absences that affected his options: he noted injuries and absences in wide attacking areas, saying the club was missing “three of our most important players in terms of unlocking a low block, which is your wingers. ” He detailed that one player who had been due back on the bench felt his hamstring late after training yesterday, that another is out, and that Pedro Neto was suspended. On the presence of an official during a pre-match huddle, Rosenior said: “I’m disappointed. There’s more focus and emphasis on the things that don’t matter. I’m going to make it really clear. I want to protect my players. “
Quick context
Newcastle arrived at Stamford Bridge after securing a 1-1 draw in the Champions League last-16 first leg with Barcelona at St. James’ Park earlier in the week. Anthony Gordon’s first-half goal was the matchwinner for Newcastle in the Premier League fixture.
What’s next
Howe retains the option to call on goalkeepers Nick Pope and John Ruddy and to adjust his bench in upcoming fixtures; attention will now turn to recovery and selection ahead of Newcastle’s next matches. Chelsea’s head coach has flagged tactical corrections and fitness checks as priorities for training. The absence of chalobah from the confirmed matchday squad will be monitored in team announcements ahead of the club’s next selection window.
