Newcastle vs Chelsea: Jamaal Lascelles misses out while Rafa Benitez sticks to guns after training ground row over formation change
Club states captain misses out against the Blues with ankle problem as Benitez opts for three at the back in search for first win of the season at St James' Park
NEWCASTLE United captain Jamaal Lascelles was dropped for their Premier League clash with Chelsea.
According to reports in the Daily Mail, the Magpies defender and manager Rafa Benitez fell out in training over a formation change for Sunday's game.
The official message from the club was that Lascelles was missing the game due to an ankle problem.
Benitez decided to play three at the back to combat the threat of Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea – a move that apparently upset Lascelles who was not happy being placed on the right of the three.
The Blues were handed a third-straight victory courtesy of Eden Hazard's penalty and DeAndre Yedlin's own goal.
When asked about the changes pre-match, Benitez said: "We have enough centre-backs, that is it."
It is not the first time Lascelles has caused problems after being involved with a training ground bust up with Mo Diame in October 2017 that left teammate Jonjo Shelvey with a broken finger.
Eyes will be on the pitch to see if Benitez’s defensive gamble pays off.
The Magpies are without a win this season after losing to Tottenham before drawing a goalless blank against Cardiff City last time out.