Chelsea have hit a slump at the worst possible time. The Blues' recent elimination from the Champions League has left their season's hopes hanging in the balance.
Liam Rosenior's side were dumped out of Europe at the Last 16 stage on Tuesday after suffering an 8-2 defeat on aggregate to holders PSG, and with just eight Premier League games left to play, the side must find a way to regroup ahead of the run-in, which sees them three points off fourth.
There is still a chance of silverware, though. Victory over Wrexham two weeks ago saw the Blues reach the FA Cup quarter-finals where they will play Port Vale next month.
It isn't just on field problems Rosenior has to contend with, though. The Chelsea manager is balancing an injury stricken squad as well as speculation surrounding one of his most important players.
Fabrizio Romano explains the uncertainty surrounding Enzo Fernandez's Chelsea future
Enzo Fernandez has been heavily linked with a surprise move away from Stamford Bridge. The Argentine's recent admission that he 'doesn't know' what the summer will bring has plunged his future further into doubt.
Even though speculation is rife, it appears Fernandez, who is under contract until 2032, has an agenda of his own.
According to Fabrizio Romano on X, the 25-year-old is pushing for a new, and presumably improved, deal, and failure to agree one with the club could see him look to move on.
"I can reveal that Enzo and Chelsea have been talking for some months over new contract details, but there has been no agreement or solution found yet.
This means that if this continues, and no agreement can be found on new terms, Enzo would be open to exploring leaving Chelsea.
These comments from Enzo all started due to no agreement yet behind the scenes over new fresh salary terms. "
Not only is Fernandez on a bumper deal that runs for another six years, but earning around £180,000-per week, he is also among Chelsea's highest paid players, so to hear he isn't satisfied with the terms of his agreement is quite disappointing.
Fernandez has done little to deserve a new contract
Although very few question Fernandez's ability and importance, he hasn't been as influencial as Chelsea have needed this season.
Netting less than 10 league goals, despite often played in an advanced role, Fernandez should be offering Rosenior a lot more.
Hinting he will throw the towel in if the club fail to bend to his wishes is a tactic that seldom works, and one that rarely washes with the fanbase.
In order to be taken more seriously, the Chelsea number eight needs to improve his performances, including adding a lot more consistency to his game.
Failure to live up to his own expectations could see BlueCo call the midfielder's bluff, and with so few clubs able to afford Fernandez, the South American may want to reconsider his approach.