Chelsea’s season has taken a further blow with the news that midfielder Enzo Fernandez will miss the remainder of the campaign due to a groin injury. The 23-year-old Argentine underwent surgery on Thursday and will now begin a period of rehabilitation.
Fernandez has been struggling with a hernia for several weeks and was unable to make an impact in Chelsea’s 5-0 thrashing at Arsenal on Tuesday. The injury is a major setback for Chelsea, who have been hit by a wave of injuries this season.
At times, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has had as many as 12 players unavailable, with his team languishing in ninth place as a result of their fitness and form issues. Their thrashing against Arsenal followed Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester City at Wembley as the pressure mounts on Pochettino.
Fernandez, signed from Benfica for a club-record fee of 107 million pounds ($133 million) in January 2023, has made 28 league appearances this term, scoring three goals. His absence will be a major blow to Chelsea’s hopes of finishing in the top four and securing Champions League qualification.
“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,” a club statement said.
“The 23-year-old midfielder will work with the club’s medical department on his rehabilitation at Cobham.”
Fernandez’s injury is the latest in a long line of setbacks for Chelsea this season. N’Golo Kante, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, and Christian Pulisic have all missed significant periods of time through injury.
With just six league games remaining, Chelsea’s hopes of a top-four finish are hanging by a thread. They are currently nine points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand.
