Frank Lampard has already delivered his verdict on potential Marcos Alonso return vs Newcastle

Ben Chilwell is a doubt to face Newcastle United at the weekend because of a back problem sustained on international duty with England and Marcos Alonso is on standby

Frank Lampard could be without Ben Chilwell against Newcastle, but does that mean a Chelsea recall for Marcos Alonso?

Chelsea have suffered a major injury scare ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United.

In the first-half of England 2-0 UEFA Nations League defeat at the hands of Belgium on Sunday evening, Ben Chilwell had to be replaced by Arsenal wonderkid Bukayo Saka.

That’s because he picked up a back problem and looked rather uncomfortable when walking off the pitch.

In an update from Three Lions head coach Gareth Southgate, he’s revealed that Chilwell said he couldn’t carry on, but wasn’t able to provide much detail

“He had some sort of issue with his back that he was complaining about and he didn’t feel he could carry on,” Southgate told reporters. “Outside of that I can’t give you any detail at the moment.”

If Chilwell’s injury does turn out to be serious enough to rule him out of the trip to St James’ Park then Blues head coach Frank Lampard will be forced into at least one change from the Chelsea team that started the 4-1 win over Sheffield United before the international break.

Of course, Lampard does have several options.

One being he could start club captain Cesar Azpilicueta at left-back – a role the Spaniard is more than comfortable in after breaking into the team in this position six years ago.

Then there’s the option to recall either Marcos Alonso or Emerson Palmieri – two natural left-footers.

It would appear that the Italy international would get the nod over the Spaniard based on the fact he’s effectively been Chilwell’s understudy so far this season.

Emerson’s last start came in the 6-0 Carabao Cup win over Barnsley in the third round and has made three substitute appearances since.

Meanwhile, it seems Lampard has already delivered his verdict on the prospect of Alonso being on standby for Chilwell against the Magpies.

The 29-year-old was hauled off at half-time in the 3-3 draw away at West Brom at the end of September and has only made a matchday squad across any competition once ever since.

Based on that, the chances of Alonso earning a recall to the Chelsea starting XI if Chilwell is ruled out for the trip to Newcastle look very slim.