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Ross Barkley could be handed his first Chelsea start when Newcastle United visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday for an FA Cup fourth round tie.

When asked if Barkley could start against Newcastle, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte said: “As you know very well after a bad injury you need a bit of time to be fit, 100 per cent.

“If we want to accelerate this process he has to play, not only in the training sessions.

“Especially in this moment after the Willian and Morata injuries we don’t have a lot of options.”