Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has revealed that he will be without three of his key players for the FA Cup tie with Newcastle United.

Conte is keen to strengthen his squad before the end of the January transfer window, but the Italian faces the prospect of naming another weakened squad for the fourth-round clash at Stamford Bridge.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss the match as he continues to recover from an ankle problem, while striker Alvaro Morata is still suffering with a bad back.

During the midweek defeat to Arsenal, Willian was substituted with a hamstring injury and the Brazilian has also been ruled out of the visit of the Magpies.

However, Conte did reveal that Cesc Fabregas was nearing a return to action, but would not confirm whether the Spaniard would be fit enough to make his first appearance since January 13.