Enzo Fernandez injury: Chelsea have ‘serious concerns’ after confirmed news
Chelsea have a number of injury concerns casting a shadow over Stamford Bridge this season, with Enzo Fernandez the latest to join the list.
Enzo Maresca’s side beat Wolves 3-0 at the weekend in another impressive display which saw the Blues move up to third place in the table after 11 games.
Fernandez was praised for his display against Wolves, but following the game, he confirmed he would not be available for Argentina during the international break.
The midfielder confessed he is in “a lot of pain” due to a bone edema in his knee, and it has since come out that he has been playing through injury with Chelsea.
This comes at a time when Cole Palmer’s injury is causing concerns, while the likes of Levi Colwill and Liam Delap have also been big misses this season.
Enzo Fernandez injury sets off alarm bells at Chelsea
Chelsea’s rising injury concerns have largely been blamed on their Club World Cup progress during the summer, which prevented the players from having an extended break.
This season, they are still competing across all three competitions, with the FA Cup set to kick off in January, causing “serious concerns” about major injuries at Stamford Bridge.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Blues are worried about suffering more serious injuries through the season.
“It’s going to get worse as the season goes on,” he told Football Insider.
“Especially with the European and club games ramping up, and international breaks as well where some players will get a rest but others have to travel and play for their countries.
“It has a major affect on the players, and as the season goes on, these things build up.
“It effects some players more than others, some can cope with it, but for every one who can there are three players who can’t. They’re going to be serious concerns for Chelsea.
“We’ve seen it with Palmer already at Chelsea and now apparently Fernandez, and I expect the Club World Cup has played its part in this as well.
“I don’t know how serious this injury is, I expect he just needs a break to rest and recuperate, but it’s not a good sign when you’ve got multiple players in that situation.
“Especially because the fixture congestion isn’t going to get any better.”
However, Matt Le Tissier told Football Insider that Chelsea will get no sympathy for injuries or dips in form despite the discussion about their fixture congestion.
Chelsea concerns growing despite strong start to the season
Chelsea’s strong start to the season on the pitch has done little to ease growing concerns, with injuries not the only worry plaguing the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.
Football Insider revealed on 29 September that Chelsea are working to sign a new centre-back, with the position becoming a priority for Maresca.
Colwill‘s injury at the start of the season raised concerns about the lack of cover, and while Josh Acheampong has been widely praised, plans are being made to improve their options.
Brown told Football Insider on 22 September that Chelsea have “no chance” of competing with Arsenal and Liverpool as a result of their ongoing defensive issues.
Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher insisted Chelsea won’t challenge for the title this season, with their goalkeeper and centre-backs not good enough to make them contenders.
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