Fernandez's omission for the Blades match bewildered many onlookers. Thankfully, Pochettino has provided clarity on his decision to drop the Blues star:
"Only 11 can play. It's a big competition and sometimes you need one characteristic. One profile or another profile.Mauricio Pochettino
I need to choose the player and of course we saw the combination between Caicedo and Gallagher and Cole like a No 10 was a possibility for the best combination for today. It doesn't mean that maybe Tuesday Enzo plays and another is on the bench."
Lewis Hall reportedly cleared to play for Newcastle United against Chelsea in English Football League Cup Quarter Final with transfer U-turn predicted
If you regularly read my writing, or that of The Pride of London in general, you will be aware that we rate Hall. I don't agree that the midfielder-turned-fullback should have been released on loan with an obligation to buy. An option to buy - which CFC could disregard - would have been preferable as I see it. The 19-year-old was far less raw than someone of his age should be when fleetingly featuring for the Blues at top level.
Hall's appearances under Eddie Howe at Newcastle are even more sparse; fitness hasn't aided in showcasing his clearly well-honed passing, often decent deliveries, guile or gifted vision. Howe recently confirmed that he wasn't sure what was happening with the Chelsea Academy product regarding a permanent transfer to St. James's Park. Though his contemporary gaffer declared his admiration for Hall as an elite prospect.
This admission, or lack thereof, from the Magpies head coach led to speculation that Hall might perhaps eventually have to return to his boyhood club. Incidentally, 'Poch' confirmed the player left for playing time; the left-back would have come in more than handy at Stamford Bridge this season, in my view. Although, there could now be another turnaround because a claim suggests Hall has permission to play versus the west London outfit, his parent club, in the EFL Cup. This development would naturally lead us to believe the deal is back on.