Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has delivered a significant update on his fitness, confirming he will not join the Argentina national team during the upcoming international break due to a persistent knee issue.
Injury Update After Wolves Victory
The revelation came shortly after Fernandez played a key role in Chelsea's 3-0 Premier League victory over Wolves at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The midfielder was instrumental in the win, which temporarily propelled the Blues to second in the table, before being substituted in the 83rd minute for Andrey Santos.
Following the match, Fernandez explained his situation, stating, "I will not be available with Argentina." He detailed a long-standing problem, revealing, "I was just talking to the medical team because I had a problem with my knee in the last 4 months. I came with a bone edema that got worse in the last weeks and months because we played a lot of games."
Club and Country Decision
Fernandez emphasised that the choice to rest was a collaborative one, made with the season's climax in mind. "I think the most important thing is coming to the end of the season and I think it's good to make this decision together," he said. "Always respecting the doctors and everything." This means he will miss Argentina's friendly against Angola on Friday.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca corroborated the injury news in his post-match press conference, disclosing that Fernandez was one of three players who asked to be substituted due to physical issues. "Joao Pedro, Neto and Enzo, they asked for a change," Maresca informed reporters. "Because Pedro had a problem with his groin. And Enzo had a problem with his knee. So we need to see how they are now."
What This Means for Chelsea
Chelsea now faces an anxious wait to determine Fernandez's availability for their crucial post-international break fixtures. The Blues are scheduled to return to action on November 22 with a Premier League match against Burnley.
The team's schedule intensifies immediately after, featuring a Champions League clash with Barcelona and a high-stakes Premier League encounter against rivals Arsenal. Fernandez's fitness will be paramount for these demanding matches, placing his recovery over the next two weeks under intense scrutiny.
