Newcastle United take on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup at Stamford Bridge tonight, where there will be a surprise figure hoping to be involved.
With Lewis Hall still only on loan at Newcastle from Chelsea, it looked like he would not be eligible to play in the cup quarter final. However, the Magpies have received an early Christmas present.
It has been reported this week that Hall actually will be allowed to be in the Newcastle squad for the game against his parent club, which is a further indication that he is going to sign for Eddie Howe’s side permanently in the summer.
A lot of questions have been asked about Hall as of late, with some pondering whether Newcastle have changed their mind about the 19-year-old.
He has started the Magpies’ previous two games in the Carabao Cup, and is now eligible to make it a hat-trick of starts in the domestic competition. However, even though he is now allowed to play, that does not necessarily mean that he will.
Lewis Hall unlikely to feature for Newcastle against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup
According to the Athletic, Eddie Howe is unlikely to play Lewis Hall against Chelsea tonight. They state that it would be a ‘shock’ if he were to be named in the starting XI, with the only likely possibility being a cameo off the bench in the latter stages of the game.
That will be disappointing for Hall, who scored a wonderful goal in the previous round of the competition.
But this is a massive game for Newcastle, and Howe is suddenly blessed with options in defence – even with Fabian Schar’s injury.
Kieran Trippier looks set to return, which means that Tino Livramento could move back over to the left. On top of that, Dan Burn is also available once again after recovering from a back injury.
That means Hall is suddenly the third choice left-back, so an appearance against the club he left in the summer appears to be in doubt.
That will be a blow for the teenager, but his time will come. Howe has spoke glowingly about Hall recently, describing him as a ‘really talented‘ player.
But patience is required, as Newcastle look to reach the semi finals of the Carabao Cup for the second year running.
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