Chelsea will definitely be without Dutch international winger Arjen Robben for their FA Cup quarter-final against the Magpies.
Robben was sent off for a two-footed tackle on West Bromwich Albion's Jonathan Greening at the weekend and the Football Association's disciplinary commission yesterday rejected the Stamford Bridge club's claim for wrongful dismissal.
Having previously been red-carded against Sunderland this season, Robben will be suspended for four domestic matches, including the March 22 Cup tie.