Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has defended teammate Nicolas Jackson following his red card against Newcastle United in the Premier League.

The Blues suffered a 2-0 loss to the Magpies on the road earlier on Sunday. They played for an hour with 10 men after Jackson was given his marching orders.

The Senegalese star was handed a straight red card for a reckless elbow on Sven Botman. Speaking after the game, Cucurella had some sympathy for the striker.

Cucurella said: "He didn’t say anything. I think he’s a bit upset. He wants to help the team but these things happen."

The Blues remain fifth in the Premier League despite the poor result. They have their Champions League destiny in their own hands with two games left in the campaign.

The club face Manchester United before taking on Nottingham Forest on the final day. Their Champions League fate could be decided at City Ground on May 25.

Forest had the opportunity to leapfrog them in the table earlier today but they picked up a 2-2 draw against Leicester City. They conceded a late equaliser.