Enzo Fernández withdraws from Argentina squad, Chelsea doubts for Nottingham Forest
Xander MacIntyre
When Enzo Fernández, midfielder of Chelsea Football Club, announced he was leaving the Argentina camp on , the news hit the Premier League like a cold snap.
The Argentina Football Association confirmed via its verified X account that Fernández had developed an inflammation in his right knee after logging 78 minutes against Venezuela. The 24‑year‑old Argentinian, who had already been called up for friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, rushed back to Cobham Training Centre for a medical assessment.
Why Fernández’ exit matters
Fernández wasn’t just any squad member; he was the engine of Chelsea’s midfield. In the first eight league games of the 2025‑26 season he started every match, contributed one goal, three assists and averaged 85.3 passes per game at an 89.7 % completion rate. Sports Illustrated noted he logged the most touches (89) and passes (78) of any player on the pitch in the 1‑0 win over Venezuela. Losing that presence just days before the club’s first post‑break fixture puts the Blues in a bind.
Current injury landscape at Chelsea
Fernández’ knee isn’t the only scare. Since the season kicked off, Chelsea Football Club has been juggling a laundry list of absences:
- Levi Colwill – out after August knee surgery, not expected back until late season.
- Josh Acheampong – 19‑year‑old full‑back with a lingering fitness issue from the Liverpool clash on October 5.
- Benoît Badiashile – central defender sidelined by an acute problem discovered in early October.
- Wesley Fofana – centre‑back listed as injured with undisclosed details.
- Cole Palmer – the club’s talismanic attacking midfielder, out until November.
- Liam Delap – forward ruled out until December after a hamstring strain.
- Andrey Santos – major doubt after a September injury against Brighton.
- Dario Essugo – thigh injury keeping him off the pitch.
Sports Mole’s October 14 report placed Fernández alongside these names in the “major doubt” category for the upcoming match.
Enzo Maresca’s tactical dilemma
Head coach Enzo Maresca, who took charge of Chelsea on July 1, 2025, said the midfielder’s condition “further limits my options in the centre of the pitch.” If Fernández is ruled out, Maresca may have to shuffle a makeshift midfield: either risk an under‑rehab Dario Essugo, push a recovering Cole Palmer forward early, or re‑assign a full‑back like Josh Acheampong into a holding role.
“We’re looking at every possible solution,” Maresca told Sports Illustrated on October 12. “The goal is to keep the team balanced while avoiding further setbacks.”
The Forest showdown: stakes and schedule
The match is set for at the City Ground in Nottingham. It’s Chelsea’s first test after the international break and a pivotal point in their push for a top‑four finish. As of October 15, Chelsea sit fifth with 16 points from eight games, while Nottingham Forest languish in 14th with eight points.
A win could tighten the chase for Champions League spots; a slip might hand rivals like Arsenal or Manchester City a breathing‑room advantage. The Forest side, though lower down the table, has been resilient at home, making the fixture anything but a stroll.
What’s next for Fernández?
Medical staff at Cobham are expected to deliver a definitive update by Friday, October 17. The club’s physiotherapist, Maria López, hinted that the swelling appears “precautionary” but emphasized that rushing a player back could jeopardise the season.
Should the diagnosis turn out to be a minor inflammation, Fernández could be ready to feature, giving Maresca a chance to retain his preferred midfield shape. If not, the Blues will have to lean on their depth, possibly exposing younger talents to Premier League intensity earlier than planned.
Why fans should care
Beyond the tactical shuffle, Fernández’s absence is a reminder of how thin squad depth can become in a league as unforgiving as the Premier League. For supporters, the story underscores the delicate balance between ambition and injury management – a narrative that will repeat every season, but feels especially acute when the club’s title aspirations hang in the balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Fernández’s injury affect Chelsea’s midfield options?
If Fernández is sidelined, Maresca loses his most reliable passer and link‑up player. The manager may have to promote Dario Essugo, adjust Cole Palmer’s role, or shift a full‑back into a holding position, which could disrupt the team’s shape and increase defensive vulnerability.
When is a final fitness decision expected?
Chelsea’s medical team will issue a verdict by , giving the coach a day to name his squad for the Nottingham Forest match.
What impact could the injury have on Chelsea’s league standing?
A loss or draw against Forest could see Chelsea drop from fifth, widening the gap to the top‑four places. Conversely, a win with a fit midfield could solidify their push for a Champions League spot.
Are there precedents of clubs thriving despite a midfield injury crisis?
Historically, teams like Liverpool in 2019 managed to navigate midfield absences by rotating youth prospects and adjusting tactics, but sustained success usually hinges on a quick return of key players.
What does the Argentina Football Association say about Fernández’s status?
The AFA confirmed the midfielder’s early departure from the squad on October 11, stating that the inflammation required immediate treatment and that he would not feature in the upcoming friendly against Puerto Rico.
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