Steve McClaren
Steve McClaren is looking forward to welcoming back his injured players (AFP)

Jack Colback and Emmanuel Rivière are both fit for Newcastle United's game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 13 February. The duo have returned to training this week and are in contention for the game against Guus Hiddink's men.

Although Newcastle have been beset by injury problems in recent weeks, manager Steve McClaren has revealed the situation is steadily improving. "We have Jack Colback and Emmanuel Rivière training all week. We have 18 days after this game and hope three or four could come back in," he said during a pre-match press conference ahead of Newcastle's game in west London.

Meanwhile, McClaren praised his opposite number Guus Hiddink, who has helped to stabilise Chelsea since he was appointed interim manager at the club. "Guus has done a great job [at Chelsea]. He's settled them down and made them hard to beat. They've got so many talented players," he said.

However, McClaren insisted his Newcastle players would not harbour any fears about playing the reigning Premier League champions. "The focus for our players is us, not our opponents. We have to start picking up points away from home," the Newcastle boss said.

The Magpies currently occupy 17th place in the table and are one point above the relegation zone. Chelsea, on the other hand, are unbeaten under Hiddink and are seeking a much-needed win ahead of their Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain on 16 February.