Simpson Doubt For Toon

Last updated : 01 May 2012 By Footy Mad - Editor

The right-back picked up a minor ankle problem in Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Wigan, but is expected to make the game at Stamford Bridge.

Wingers Gabriel Obertan (ankle) and Sylvain Marveaux (groin) will travel after returning to training, but midfielder Sammy Ameobi (knee) is still working his way back to full match fitness and central defender Steven Taylor (Achilles) remains on the sidelines.

Chelsea will still be without David Luiz and Gary Cahill.

But Branislav Ivanovic returns from suspension and is likely to partner John Terry in defence in the absence of hamstring injury victims Luiz and Cahill.

Manager Roberto Di Matteo refused to rule the pair out of Saturday's FA Cup final against Liverpool.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Ivanovic, Bosingwa, Terry, Cole, Bertrand, Mikel, Essien, Meireles, Lampard, Ramires, Mata, Malouda, Drogba, Torres, Sturridge, Kalou, Turnbull.

Newcastle (from): Krul, Elliot, Harper, Simpson, Santon, R. Taylor, Ferguson, Tavernier, Perch, Coloccini, Williamson, Tiote, Cabaye, Guthrie, Ben Arfa, Gutierrez, Obertan, Marveaux, Abeid, Gosling, Vuckic, Ba, Cisse, Shola Ameobi, Best.