Enzo Fernández
Argentina
Right
Jan 17, 2001
25
5'10"
168 lb
CM
AM
Box-to-Box
Calf issue cleared for Tuesday
Fernandez (calf) is available for Tuesday's clash against Brighton, according to coach Liam Rosenior. "Enzo is absolutely fine, he's available."
Analysis: Fernandez's clearance is a timely boost for Chelsea given the quick turnaround from Saturday's match. The Argentine midfielder recently returned from a two-game club suspension and figures to be one of the more important pieces in manger Liam Rosenior's midfield setup going forward. His return should cut into the minutes of both Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos, who had been in line for extended appearances in his absence.
Suffers potential calf injury
Fernandez left Saturday's 1-0 loss to Manchester United with discomfort, and coach Liam Rosenior said "I just saw him in the dressing room - I think it was his calf. I'm hoping it's cramp; he's getting work on it right now because we want him, obviously, fit for Tuesday [against Brighton and Hove Albion]. He ran himself into the ground for the club tonight and I expect nothing different from a man of his stature and quality".
Analysis: Fernandez's status is unclear as he looks to avoid a severe problem, and it remains to be seen whether the midweek clash with Brighton will come too soon for him to start again. The midfielder, who recently returned from a two-game club suspension, would be one of the squad's top all-around options if he's available for upcoming contests. Otherwise, Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos could be in line for extended appearances.
Set to rejoin squad
Fernandez is set to rejoin Chelsea's squad on Tuesday after serving his club suspension, according to coach Liam Rosenior, per the BBC. "Any team will miss Enzo. Myself backed by the leadership group and sporting directors made a decision for the long-term of the club. There's nothing personal with Enzo. He will be back with the group on Tuesday. He is a top, top player and a really good guy. Really looking forward to having him back. The hurdle I spoke about. Enzo wanted to have a conversation with the leadership group - the main players of the group - and speak to the players. The time I had the press conference, he hadn't done that yet. He has spoken with me, the leadership group and all of the players and we look forward to welcoming him back."
Analysis: Fernandez had been suspended for two matches after a disciplinary breach that crossed the club's cultural boundaries, but the situation has been resolved with all parties now aligned on moving forward. Coach Liam Rosenior was clear that there was nothing personal in the decision and that the door had always remained open for Fernandez's return once the required conversations took place. The Argentine midfielder is expected to push straight back into the starting lineup once reintegrated, with his quality making him too important to keep out for long as the Blues head into the final stretch of the season.
Suspended by club
Fernandez has been suspended by Chelsea for at least the next two matches following a disciplinary breach, according to coach Liam Rosenior, per Football London. "I spoke with Enzo an hour ago. As a football club, with me as part of the decision, he won't be available for tomorrow's game or Manchester City next Sunday. A line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build. Enzo, firstly, as a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect. He's frustrated because he wants us to be successful. In terms of the decision, it's not all about me, or the sporting directors, the ownership, the players, we are aligned in our decision. The door is not closed on Enzo. It's a sanction. You have to protect the culture and in terms of that, a line was crossed."
Analysis: Fernandez will miss Saturday's clash against Port Vale in the FA Cup and the following fixture against Manchester City after the club, coaching staff and ownership reached a unified decision to sanction the Argentine midfielder. Coach Rosenior was careful to stress his respect for Fernandez as a person and player, acknowledging the midfielder's frustration stems from wanting success for the club, but made clear that the internal standards had to be upheld. Andrey Santos is expected to see a larger role in the midfield during his absence, with the door left open for Fernandez's return once the sanction has been served.
Registers goal and assist
Fernandez scored one goal and assisted once from two shots and two chances created in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
Analysis: Fernandez scored one goal and provided one assist in Wednesday's 5-2 loss against PSG, first setting up Malo Gusto before equalizing in the second half after a pass from Pedro Neto. The midfielder was one of the most influential players in the match, contributing offensively with two key passes while also adding defensive work with three tackles and two interceptions. Fernandez once again showcased his natural qualities in midfield, using his vision, passing range and ability to arrive late in the box to create danger, having now scored three goals and provided two assists in nine Champions League appearances this season.
Dishes assist in win
Fernandez assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal) and two chances created in Wednesday's 4-1 win versus Aston Villa. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 58th minute.
Analysis: Fernandez broke open the Aston Villa backline Wednesday with a slipped through ball into the box to setup Chelsea's second goal in their 4-1 win over Aston Villa. In addition to his goal contribution, the midfielder added two tackles (one won) to the defensive effort across his 79 minutes of play. Over his last five appearances (four starts) in all competitions, Fernandez has created eight chances from six shots (three on goal) and three crosses (one accurate).
Busy and unlucky not to return
Fernandez recorded three shots (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Fernandez was heavily involved as Chelsea beat Wolves 3-1. The midfielder had scored in each of his last three matches and has now taken three shots in each of the last three games. This was also the first time in the last four matches that he has created three chances, having hit at least that number in the four games before that.
Scores game winner
Fernandez scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal), five crosses (zero accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 3-2 victory over West Ham United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 93rd minute.
Analysis: Fernandez had the last say in Saturday's London derby, recording the game winner in injury time against West Ham. He has been on a scoring tear with four goals in the last six PL appearances, adding in one assist with five shots on target, 10 key passes and winning six tackles in that span.
Converts penalty Wednesday
Fernandez scored a goal while taking three shots (one on goal) and creating a chance during Wednesday's 3-2 win over Napoli.
Analysis: Fernandez converted a penalty to open the scoring in the 19th minute while finishing with the second most shots and chances created on the team. The goal was the first in the Champions League since October 22nd for the midfielder as he's combined for five shots, five chances created and four crosses over his last three appearances in the competition.
Scores in win
Fernandez scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Fernandez scored Sunday, recording a key pass with a shot on target. He has been on a roll with three goals and one assist in the last five appearances, recording 10 key passes, four shots on target, and six tackles won in that span.
Fit to start
Fernandez (illness) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Pafos.
Analysis: Fernandez was a late call for Wednesday after he was unable to train Monday, but after training Tuesday, he has been deemed fit to play. He is not only fit but earning back a starting role upon his return, with one goal and an assist in seven UCL appearances (six starts) this season.
Late call for Wednesday
Fernandez is a late call for Wednesday's match against Pafos due to an illness, according to manager Liam Rosenior, per Bobby Vincent of Football London. "Yeah, so Enzo Fernandez was ill yesterday and missed training... [but] trained [Tuesday]. None of those lads are at 100%. It's a bad illness. So we'll make that decision on Enzo tomorrow and what he looks like in terms of style from the bench."
Analysis: Fernandez looks to need some testing ahead of Wednesday's UCL contest, with the midfielder battling an illness that has left him to only train Tuesday after missing Monday. He will then be a late call, potentially only an option from the bench if fit, especially against a lesser opponent. If he were to miss out, a change would be made, with Reece James an option to move into the midfield, while Andrey Santos could also earn the start.
Assists in win
Fernandez assisted once to go with two crosses (zero accurate) and three chances created in Saturday's 2-0 win against Brentford.
Analysis: Fernandez was active at both ends of the pitch, and while his assist was unintentional, his pressing and willingness to close down opponents created the chance that was converted by Joao Pedro. The midfielder finished with three chances created and contributed defensively with three tackles and one interception, though he ended the match without a shot for just the third time this season.
Injury time goal earns point
Fernandez scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal) and two chances created in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Manchester City. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 95th minute.
Analysis: Fernandez came up with a heroic goal Sunday, as the midfielder found the back of net in injury time to even the match and earn his club a point. This gives him a second consecutive match with a goal, scoring last time out in a draw against Bournemouth. He now has six goals this campaign, with seven goal contributions in 19 appearances (18 starts).
On scoresheet
Fernandez scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Tuesday's 2-2 draw versus AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Fernandez recorded one of the two goals for Chelsea on Tuesday, having also won two tackles, three aerials and producing one key pass. This was his second goal in eight league appearances, collecting five shots on target, 11 key passes and nine tackles won in that span, contributing in both ends of the pitch.
Heavily involved Tuesday
Fernandez had an assist while taking four shots (one on goal) and creating two chances during Tuesday's 3-0 win over Barcelona.
Analysis: Fernandez had two goals ruled out for offsides in the first half, but set up Liam Delap for Chelsea's final goal in the 73rd minute while leading his side in shots. The midfielder has two goal involvements to go along with eight shots, five chances created and four crosses over his last three Champions League appearances.
Gets goal
Fernandez scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 2-0 win over Burnley.
Analysis: The midfielder didn't have too many chances but made the most of the ones he had with one of Chelsea's two goals. Fernandez has a favorable matchup Tuesday against Barcelona in UCL play. Barcelona has conceded five goals in its last three matches across all competitions.
Option to face Burnley
Fernandez (knee) is back available for Saturday's clash against Burnley, coach Enzo Maresca said in the press conference. "Enzo used the international break to recover from the little issue he had and recover the energy levels. He is okay and available for tomorrow's game."
Analysis: Fernandez trained in full this week and is an option for Saturday's clash against the Clarets. The Chelsea's captain has been an undisputed starter in the midfield, even playing in a more advanced role this season and should claim back that starting spot in upcoming fixtures.
Training with team
Fernandez (knee) has taken part in practice ahead of the weekend's visit to Burnley.
Analysis: Fernandez might be back in contention after being left out of the Argentinian national team due to the injury. The central man should be a regular starter and occasional set-piece taker if fit, with his most recent outings suggesting a partnership between him and Moises Caicedo in holding midfield. Fernandez has scored four goals and an assist in 14 matches played across all competitions during the current campaign.
Won't join Argentina squad
Fernandez revealed he has been dealing with a bone edema for several months that has worsened in recent weeks and will therefore not join the Argentina squad during the break to rest, according to TyC Sports. "I've had bone edema for four months now, and I think it's gotten worse in recent weeks. I've been talking with the medical staff because I have a problem with my knee, and we decided I should rest."
Analysis: Fernandez asked to be substituted in the 83rd minute of Saturday's victory against Wolves due to knee discomfort and won't join the Argentina squad during the break in order to rest. The Chelsea midfielder has been dealing with a bone edema for four months that has worsened in recent weeks and now requires rest to recover properly. Fernandez should be available against Burnley on Nov. 22 after the break, but his situation will be monitored cautiously.
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