Hot head: Oscar apologised after heft challenge on Costa

Hiddink reveals why playmaker is omitted from Chelsea team

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Published on:

13 Feb 2016, 11:45 am

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.

Chelsea FC

Oscar Cortes

Guus Hiddink