Nick Woltemade commented on the 2-2 tie between Newcastle United and Chelsea.

The team's big summer buy has really clicked with the fans in Newcastle because he's skilled, creative, and can score. He had a rough moment last week when he accidentally scored an own goal in the Wear-Tyne derby, which caused them to lose 1-0 to Sunderland. He was eager to bounce back at St. James’ Park.

The German had a dream start, scoring twice in the first half and almost getting a third right before halftime as the Toon totally overwhelmed Chelsea with their aggressive play.

But, like a few times already this season, Eddie Howe's team couldn't quite keep control of the game as they wanted. Reece James scored a really nice free kick, and then Joao Pedro scored after Malick Thiaw slipped, tying the game. Newcastle is now 11th in the Premier League, but 18 other teams still have to play this week. They really want to sort out the problems on the field.

Not ideal. We were great in the first half. Plenty of power and pressing. But in the second half, we still did okay, but we had some bad changes when we let in two goals. Usually, we don't let gulls in from those spots.

If you watched the first half, you would see that we can beat any team. I have no idea why we conceded those two goals. It is done. We'll keep practising, so the next time, we can keep going like that for the whole 90 minutes.

“Last week wasn’t great for me, and the game wasn’t great either. When I subbed into the [Carabao Cup] game on Wednesday, the fans sang my name, which was so lovely. It felt amazing when I heard it, and I knew that they still had my back even after the own goal. I wanted to play well today, and I think I did. I just want to say thanks to the supporters for still believing in me.

Newcastle United goes head-to-head with Chelsea this Saturday at St. James' Park (kick-off at 12:30 pm), so here's the injury rundown on players like Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, and Kieran Trippier.

After that 1-0 loss to Sunderland in the last league game, the Magpies want to get back on track and get closer to those European spots.

Chelsea’s sitting in fourth right now, six points ahead of Eddie Howe’s crew. In the past two seasons, the Blues ended up three points above Newcastle on the table.

Newcastle has won its last four home games against Chelsea, including that 2-0 victory back in May that helped them snag a spot in the Champions League.

But Newcastle’s got a smaller squad than usual for Saturday’s match, especially on defence. Fabian Schar and Malick Thiaw are the only senior defenders who are totally fit. Howe might not even have any experienced full-backs to pick from for the game.

Here’s the current injury situation for Newcastle United, along with when the players are expected to be back:

Joelinton - groin

Joelinton hasn’t played since that groin injury against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. He’s been available on the bench for the last couple of games and will probably be there again against Chelsea on Saturday.

Lewis Hall - hamstring

Lewis Hall didn’t play in Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Fulham because of a hamstring issue. It’s not thought to be too bad, but because Hall had some injury problems in 2025, the club is being extra careful with him.

He might be ready to play on Saturday.

Expected return: 20/12 - Chelsea (H)

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Nick Pope - groin

Pope hasn’t played in any of Newcastle’s last six games, but he’s been training this week, leading up to the Chelsea match and might be back in the squad.

Expected return: 20/12 - Chelsea (H)

Kieran Trippier - hamstring

Trippier being out has been tough for the Magpies, meaning Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have had to play more than they should. Hopefully, Trippier will be back around the start of the new year.

Expected return: 04/01 - Crystal Palace (H)

William Osula - ankle

Osula’s been out with an ankle injury, and the club even got a specialist to take a look. He hasn’t played since that loss to West Ham in early November, and there’s no word on when he’ll be back.

Expected return: 13/01 - Manchester City (H)

Sven Botman - back

Botman saw a specialist for a back injury and got an injection for it, but the club hasn’t said when he’ll be back.

Expected return: TBC (early 2026)

Emil Krafth - knee

Krafth hasn’t played for Newcastle United since those 45 minutes against West Ham early last month. It’s a setback since a defensive injury issue is starting to get worse. Howe said earlier this week that Krafth will be out until early 2026.

Expected return: 04/01 - Crystal Palace (H)

Dan Burn - ribs

Burn hurt his ribs during Sunday’s defeat to Sunderland and had to go to the hospital because he was having trouble breathing after that hit with Nordi Mukiele. Howe said on Tuesday that Burn will be out for four to six weeks.

Expected return: 18/01 - Wolves (A)