Injuries have been a constant thorn in Chelsea's path throughout the course of the season. They have several important first-team players out injured, including Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill. And it looks like another name might be added to that list, although the extent of the issue is not completely clear just yet.
The player we are talking about is integral to Enzo Maresca's starting XI, even though he has had his fair share of critics in recent times. It is none other than Enzo Fernandez.
The Argentine midfielder is a mainstay in the Chelsea midfield. And he has appeared to find his form lately, putting in a solid performance in the win against Liverpool.
Fernandez has been playing a ton of football, though. In fact, he has started all ten of Chelsea's games so far this season, and he was involved for Argentina in their recent win against Venezuela as well. Unfortunately, he has picked up a knee issue on international duty.
Key Chelsea player suffers injury on international duty
As reported by Seleccion Argentina's official account, Fernandez has been withdrawn from the tour due to synovitis. According to The Sun, he has already left the national team camp and is flying back to London due to swelling in his right knee.
On paper, this does not look like a very serious issue and one would imagine that it will be resolved with some rest. Of course, more details are expected to emerge over the coming days but with the game against Nottingham Forest barely a week away, Fernandez's availability for that match is certainly in doubt.
Worryingly for Chelsea, Andrey Santos, who you would expect to be the replacement for Fernandez, has been dealing with fitness issues lately as well. So, it remains to be seen if he will be fit to face Nottingham Forest.
The positive news is that Romeo Lavia is back. Of course, considering his injury history, one can only wonder for how long. That is a shame because the Belgian is such a talented player and can be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League if he can just stay fit.
Maresca will be hoping that the rest that some of his players have received over this international break will serve them well. As for Fernandez, we can only wish him the best and hope to see him back on the pitch as soon as possible.