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Injury Blow: Enzo Fernandez Withdraws from Argentina Squad with Knee Problem
Chelsea have been dealt a fresh injury concern after it was confirmed that Enzo Fernandez has withdrawn from the Argentina squad due to a knee issue.
The midfielder, who has been ever-present for Enzo Maresca’s side this season, started in Argentina’s 1–0 victory over Venezuela on Friday, featuring for 78 minutes before being replaced by Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister.
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Argentina are set to face Puerto Rico in their second friendly in the United States on Tuesday, October 14, but Fernandez will play no part after the Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed his withdrawal.
“Chelsea player Enzo Fernandez has been ruled out of the tour (in the USA) due to synovitis in his right knee,” the AFA wrote in an official statement on X.
#SelecciónMayor El futbolista de @ChelseaFC Enzo Fernández queda desafectado de la gira por una sinovitis en su rodilla derecha. pic.twitter.com/cpJymfMPly
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) October 11, 2025
At this stage, it remains unclear how serious the inflammation is. However, the injury could see Fernandez miss Chelsea’s upcoming trip to Nottingham Forest next weekend — a potential setback for Maresca, who views the Argentine as a central figure in his system.
Key Player for Club and Country
Before this latest issue, Fernandez had been remarkably durable, with his last notable absence coming in May 2024, when he missed six matches after undergoing groin surgery.
This season, only Moises Caicedo has played more Premier League minutes for Chelsea than Fernandez, underlining his importance to the squad. He is also joint-top scorer at the club alongside Caicedo, with three goals to his name in the current campaign.
Maresca will be hoping for positive news in the coming days, especially given how influential the 23-year-old has been in controlling Chelsea’s tempo and contributing in the final third.
Who Could Step In for Fernandez?
If Fernandez is ruled out for the Forest clash, Romeo Lavia appears the most natural replacement in central midfield after recently returning from injury himself.
Estevao Willian and on-loan youngster Facundo Buonanotte could both fill the number 10 role if Maresca opts to adjust his shape, while Reece James has also shown the versatility to operate in midfield when required.
Regardless of who steps up, losing Fernandez — even briefly — would be a major blow. The Argentine has been at the heart of Chelsea’s early-season progress, and Maresca will be desperate to have him back as soon as possible.
Injury Blow: Enzo Fernandez Withdraws from Argentina Squad with Knee Problem
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