Report: Enzo Fernandez almost certainly won't start Chelsea's next game after international decision

Enzo Fernandez has been a key player for Chelsea since Enzo Maresca took over the club, however it looks as if he will struggle to be involved in the Blues’ next fixture.

Fernandez is part of the Argentina squad who are taking part in international friendlies in the coming days against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

Fresh off the back of a star performance against Liverpool, the midfielder will be looking to carry on the form on the international stage that saw him become a key member in the World Cup winning side of 2022.

Chelsea will return from the international break with a 12:30 Saturday kick-off against Nottingham Forest, the same fixture where they secured Champions League football last season.

• Saturday 18th October
  Premier League

  • Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest

    12:30

    ChelseaChelsea

Enzo Fernandez very unlikely to start in Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea

Given how early the fixture is in the gameweek, there will always be fears about the availability of their South American stars, including Moises Caicedo.

While the Ecuadorian hasn’t left Cobham, Fernandez’s return to West London has actually been delayed due to an alteration to one of their games.

According to CNN, Argentina’s fixture with Puerto Rico has been moved from Chicago to Florida, and won’t be concluded until the early hours of October 15.

Chelsea play Forest on October 18, making it very difficult to see a world where Fernandez lines up at the City Ground for the Blues.

This will leave Maresca looking for options, and probably hoping that the international break allows some of the injuries at the club to heal.

Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Maresca’s potential Fernandez replacements

Andrey Santos has not been called up to the Brazil squad due to an injury problem, meaning he is recovering back at Cobham.

Maresca said Santos would return after the international break, and now faces a race against time to be fit to face his former side.

Elsewhere, the boss could look to use one of Reece James or Malo Gusto in the role again, however this could all depend on the fitness of the England international.

James pulled out of Thomas Tuchel’s squad due to a small injury, however there is so far no indication as to whether he will be fit for Forest.

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