Chelsea’s woes deepen as midfielder Enzo Fernandez is set to miss the remainder of the season following surgery on a groin injury, the club announced on Thursday. Fernandez, who has been grappling with a hernia for several weeks, underwent the procedure after struggling to make an impact in Chelsea’s recent 5-0 defeat against Arsenal.
The 23-year-old Argentine, a pivotal figure in Chelsea’s squad, will be sidelined for the team’s final six league matches, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming Copa America in June. Fernandez, a member of Argentina’s victorious 2022 World Cup campaign, adds to the growing list of injury concerns for the London club in what has been a challenging season.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has faced significant hurdles throughout the campaign, with injuries plaguing his squad and contributing to their underwhelming ninth-place position in the Premier League. The defeat to Arsenal compounds their recent woes, following a 1-0 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup semifinals last weekend.
Fernandez’s absence is a blow to Chelsea’s midfield, with the talented playmaker having made 28 league appearances this season, finding the net three times. Signed from Benfica for a staggering £107 million ($133 million) in January 2023, Fernandez’s impact on the pitch has been notable, making his absence all the more significant for the struggling club.
A statement from Chelsea confirmed Fernandez’s surgery and outlined plans for his rehabilitation: “Enzo Fernandez has today undergone successful surgery on a groin issue and will now begin a period of rehabilitation, sidelining him for the remainder of Chelsea’s 2023/24 season. The 23-year-old midfielder will work with the club’s medical department on his rehabilitation at Cobham.”
With Fernandez ruled out for the season, Chelsea faces an uphill battle in their remaining fixtures, as they strive to salvage what they can from a challenging campaign. As the pressure mounts on Pochettino, navigating the team through their injury crisis will be paramount in the final stretch of the season.
