Chelsea make shock Lewis Hall decision ahead of Newcastle United clash in Carabao Cup

Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall is eligible to face parent club Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night (kick-off 8pm).

Rule 6.3 of the EFL handbook states loan players are ineligible to feature against their parent clubs - unless written consent is given.

“Players registered on a temporary basis will not be eligible to play unless the Club holding his full registration gives its written consent (also subject to any restrictions on the number of loan players prescribed by applicable Premier League Rules or League Regulations)," the rule reads.

But in a surprising move, the Blues have granted permission for the 19-year-old to be involved in the quarter-final tie at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

Hall made 12 appearances for Chelsea last season after breaking into the senior set-up before sealing a move to Newcastle in the summer.

The youngster joined on an initial season-long loan deal, which includes an obligation to buy for £28million plus a further £7m in add-ons next summer based on performance-related criteria.

The expectation is that Hall will remain at St James' Park next season but given his lack of game, which has resulted in just four starts, has led to questions over his future.

Asked on Friday if the criteria had already been triggered, United boss Eddie Howe said: "You’re probably asking the wrong man, I’m not 100 per-cent sure."

Howe was then asked directly "do you expect him to be a Newcastle United player permanently?". There was a short silence but Newcastle's head of media replied: "We'll come back to you."

Will it be Howe's decision to keep Hall, or will it be dictated by finances?

"It’s not mine. For me, he’s here now, he’s a Newcastle player. But I think there’s certain criteria he has to meet."

Hall, an England under-20s international, has made seven appearances in total. Four of the starts he has made has resulted in the full-back being withdrawn at half-time.

"Lewis is a really talented player," said Howe. "He has huge technical qualities. He is creative and has very good final delivery. He’s a really good attacking full-back. He’s got certain things to learn defensively, which we’re working on with him.

"But he’s a young age and also recently converted to a left-back. There needs to be a little bit of understanding that he may take a little bit of time to get the defensive solidity that we’re looking for, but he’s a player of such high promise."