Hiddink reveals why playmaker is omitted from Chelsea team
By Chelsea correspondent Tony Hughes
Oscar has been omitted from the Chelsea squad for the Newcastle clash on Saturday night due to a calf injury.
The Brazilian playmaker has been left out of the matchday 18 as he is given time to recover ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 match against Paris Saint-Germain.
Manager Guus Hiddink revealed before the Newcastle match that Oscar is troubled by a calf problem.
With John Obi Mikel demoted to the bench, Eden Hazard is named in the starting X1 for a Premier League match for the first time in six weeks, while Pedro is also given a rare start.
With Gary Cahill replacing Kurt Zouma, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a torn cruciate ligament, in the centre of defence, Hiddink has made three changes from the team that drew 1-1 against Manchester United last weekend.
There will also be a change of role for Cesc Fabregas, who drops back into central midfield to partner Nemanja Madic.
Loic Remy returns to the matchday squad to provide back-up to Diego Costa after recovering from a groin injury.
Team: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Fabregas, Matic; Pedro, Willian, Hazard; Costa. Subs: Begovic, Baba, Mikel, Loftus-Cheek, Traore, Kenedy, Remy.