Pochettino reveals tactical reasons for £100m signing’s absence, as only 11 can play

Pochettino reveals tactical reasons for £100m signing’s absence, as only 11 can play

Enzo Fernandez was not in Chelsea’s team to face Sheffield United yesterday, and after the game, Mauricio Pochettino was inevitably asked about that lineup decision.

He certainly made it clear that it wasn’t purely a question of rest. He painted it as a tactical decision, although that seems strange given a creative midfield is just what Chelsea needed against a team bound to sit deep and defend.

“Only 11 can play. It’s a big competition and sometimes you need one characteristic. One profile or another profile.

“I need to choose the player and of course we saw the combination between Caicedo and Gallagher and [Cole] Cole like a No. 10 was a possibility for the best combination for today.”

It will be interesting to see the team selected on Tuesday night. We’re sure that Pochettino considers this a massively important game – but the game away at Wolves at the weekend is also critical.

Will Enzo be back for Tuesday? Or Sunday? Or both? Will the team be better with him back in? Will he be better off after a rest? It’s a big turning point for the team and the season, and will possibly be an important inflection point in Enzo’s time at Chelsea.