There are plenty of weak spots in Enzo Maresca’s squad that may need to be addressed in January, but two issues could have been avoided if not for a regrettable Chelsea sale.
Chelsea are never shy about making cutthroat decisions on player sales.
Last summer, the profits generated from Stamford Bridge exits allowed the Blues to take an aggressive approach in pursuing players for first-team roles. They were commended for those efforts.
But every now and then, mistakes are bound to happen, and Chelsea could be handed a painful reminder of that very fact when they face Newcastle at St James’ Park this weekend.
Lewis Hall of Newcastle
Photo by Marcel Bonte/Soccrates/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca and Chelsea would love to have Lewis Hall back
Chelsea made a mistake in selling Lewis Hall to Newcastle last season. The £28 million deal looked like good business initially, but seeing how the 21-year-old has thrived on Tyneside is a regret many at Stamford Bridge will be feeling.
Hall has become a star in Eddie Howe’s side when he has been fit to play, and it’s clear that the Blues didn’t see that coming.
There are gaps in Maresca’s side that the Newcastle star would be more than capable of filling.
Marc Cucurella is the undisputed starting left-back, but the options behind him are very limited. Jorrel Hato is still adapting to a new country, and he doesn’t fill you with confidence when asked to step in.
On top of that, Chelsea are eyeing Kobbie Mainoo as a January addition to strengthen in midfield. Hall is just as comfortable operating in those areas as well.
Kobbie Mainoo’s brother wants him out of Old Trafford 😶
Could he revive his career at Chelsea?
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He’s a player Maresca would absolutely love. In the same way that Malo Gusto and Reece James offer incredible tactical flexibility, Hall would have been a superb, adaptable piece to have in the squad.
Eddie Howe gives us the latest on Lewis Hall ahead of Chelsea
Hall has been dealing with a hamstring issue that saw him miss Newcastle’s Carabao Cup tie against Fulham.
When asked in his Newcastle press conference if Hall will be ready to face his old club, Howe said: “He could be [available for tomorrow]. He felt some fatigue in his hamstring after the Sunderland game so he had a scan which didn’t reveal too much, so we’ll see.”
Chelsea will want it to be bad news for two reasons.
Firstly, it’s a top player not being available for the opposition. Secondly, Hall putting in a good performance would only add to the regret Chelsea must be feeling about his departure.
Chelsea surely regret Lewis Hall sale 😬
Is there any recent departure you’d rather see back at Stamford Bridge?
Newcastle United Unveil New Signing Lewis Hall
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
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On the game itself, Howe remarked: “They are progressing and continuing to get better. They have a very good manager, style of play and team, so we are going to have to be very good. They will pose us some problems if our defensive work isn’t of the highest level.”
Even outside of the Hall subplot, this is sure to be an enthralling Premier League clash at a ground where Chelsea have found little joy in recent seasons. Let’s hope Maresca and co can buck the trend.
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