Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was substituted off by Mauricio Pochettino after just 31 minutes against Newcastle United.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues belowC
Chelsea losing 1-0 to Newcastle at half-timePochettino subs off Enzo FernandezFernandez reportedly felt unwell during gameGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
As the Blues took on Newcastle in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup at Stamford Bridge, the visitors took the lead shortly after the quarter-hour mark. Later, around the 31st minute, the Blues boss took off the Argentine World Cup winner for striker Armando Broja.
AdvertisementTHE EXPLANATION
While there was no apparent injury to the former Benfica man, the Sky Sports commentary team revealed that Fernandez had been feeling unwell during the clash and hence Pochettino made the sub. The Blues boss confirmed as much after the game, saying: "He felt sick. He didn't feel well before the game and then when he started to play, it wasn't going well. He asked to come out because he wasn't feeling well."
Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?
Fernandez walked straight down the tunnel alongside assistant manager Jesus Perez and other members of staff prompting many Blues fans to speculate if the midfielder had picked up a serious injury. Fortunately for Chelsea supporters, their fears were soon allayed.
WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?
Chelsea went on to record a dramatic penalty victory at Stamford Bridge in Fernandez's absence, with Mykhailo Mudryk equalising late on following an error from Kieran Trippier. At full time, the Argentina was seen in tears, potentially due to the disappointment he felt at missing out on one of the biggest results of the Blues' season so far.