Injury-free Newcastle United star withdrawn against Bournemouth ruled out v Chelsea

Lewis Hall's first Premier League start in Newcastle United colours lasted just 45 minutes after he was replaced at half-time against AFC Bournemouth.

The 19-year-old retained his starting spot on the South Coast having made his Champions League debut away to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.

However, in both games, the left-back has been taken off at the break. Indeed, in three of his four starts since joining from Chelsea in the summer, Hall has suffered the same fate.

Asked about his withdrawal at half-time, Magpies' head coach Eddie Howe replied: “It wasn’t really a reflection on Lewis’s performance. With our early substitution, we know Lewis, at this moment, won’t play a full 90 minutes.

"I didn’t want to impact my ability to make changes from the bench so that was the reason for my decision.” 

Tino Livramento was introduced in place of Hall as United went on to lose their first Premier League game since September following two goals from Dominic Solanke.

While Howe was reluctant to make excuses for the defeat, Newcastle's injury situation is stark.

And to add to United's selection woes, Hall isn't eligible for the Premier League clash against Chelsea after the two-week international.

The youngster is on a season-long loan from Stamford Bridge, which won't become permanent until the summer.

Indeed, it is the same rules for the Carabao Cup quarter-final meeting between the two sides in December, unless the Blues grant permission for him to feature.