Mauricio Pochettino explained that Enzo Fernandez was substituted early in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle United due to feeling unwell.
Despite Newcastle taking an early lead through Callum Wilson, Chelsea secured a spot in the cup semi-finals with a 4-2 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
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Mykhailo Mudryk’s stoppage-time equalizer played a crucial role in forcing the game into the shootout.
In the first half, there were worrying moments for Chelsea as midfielder Fernandez was substituted after only 32 minutes, with striker Armando Broja stepping in.
The Argentine World Cup winner appeared unwell as he left the field, briefly embracing Pochettino before heading straight to the tunnel.
Following the match, he returned, visibly emotional, joining his teammates in applauding the crowd.
Speaking after the match, Pochettino confirmed reports that Fernandez was ill, 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.
‘He was a little bit sick before the game. He tried, he wanted to play, see if it goes well but it goes not so well and that is why [he looked upset].’
The manager also confirmed Levi Colwill’s substitution was not injury related: ‘Colwill was more tactics. He was a little bit tired at the end of the first half. Levi is going to be ready for the next game.
‘My perception was he was a little bit tired and we wanted a more offensive player to provide more energy. That was why we go for the option.’
Pochettino will be hoping both are fully fit for Chelsea’s next game, a Premier League match at Wolves on Christmas Eve.
