Simpson hoping to prove fitness

Danny Simpson is Newcastle boss Alan Pardew’s only fresh injury doubt ahead of tomorrow night’s Premier League trip to Chelsea.

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.

Provisional squad: 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.