Chelsea boss sends message to 'unlucky' Newcastle United star after being ruled out of game

Mauricio Pochettino has spoken about Chelsea's decision to offload England youth international Lewis Hall to Newcastle United.

Many Chelsea fans were left shocked as the West London club sanctioned a season-long deal for the 19-year-old, which will become permanent for an initial £28million next summer.

Hall broke into the Blues' first-team last season and impressed during his 11 appearances, featuring against Newcastle both home and away, but Pochettino has defended the decision to let him leave.

With Chelsea still technically Hall's parent club, the left-back is ineligible to play when the two teams meet at St James' Park this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

"It was a player with a condition to play here but at the same time, there were too many players ahead of him in his position," Pochettino explained.

“The opportunity to move to Newcastle, I think the player and the club took the best decision for both sides. That is what happened in the summer.

“It is unlucky he cannot play but he has a good future and I hope he can settle well there and play all that he wants."

The England under-20s defender has started four games for United since joining, including away ties against Borussia Dortmund and AFC Bournemouth in the week before the last international break.

Hall, however, has been substituted at half-time in three of his four starts - the exception being the 3-0 win at Manchester United in which he scored - which suggests he has plenty still to learn.

But Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe believes in the youngster's ability.

Howe said: “I’d say that understanding is improving all the time. His commitment to his training and all the work that he’s done behind the scenes has been really good. He’s a talented young player, for sure.

"He’s got a beautiful left foot and a high level of technical ability. He’s a player of really high potential. There are a few areas of his game that need smoothing and improving but that is no different to any other young player. But we really do believe in him."