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Enzo Fernandez could reportedly miss the rest of Chelsea's season if he undergoes an operation on his hernia issue.
Argentine newspaper Ole (via Sport Witness) reports that Fernandez will be available for Copa America with Argentina if he undergoes the operation now. The 23-year-old has been nursing the problem for several weeks but has appeared for Mauricio Pochettino's side.
Chelsea are no longer participating for any trophies after they lost 1-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup semifinals (April 20). A successful end to the campaign rests on qualifying for the UEFA Europa League.
Thus, Fernandez may look to undergo the operation to prioritize participation at Copa America. The expectation is that the former Benfica man will want to represent the 2022 FIFA World Cup champions at the competition in the United States.
Fernandez has endured a topsy-turvy season that has coincided with his side's poor campaign as a collective. He's registered seven goals and three assists in 39 games across competitions.
The 21-cap Argentina international was the breakout star of La Abiceleste's World Cup triumph two years ago. He won the Young Player of the Tournament award with one goal and one assist in seven games.
This would be Fernandez's first participation at Copa America if he's available. His nation are the title holders heading into the tournament which starts on June 20 and concludes on July 14.
Mauricio Pochettino admitted Chelsea needed to protect Enzo Fernandez amid injury issues
Fernandez has been a mainstay in Chelsea's first team this season, racking up 3.026 minutes worth of action. This has seemingly taken its toll on the Argentine but he did appear in his side's loss to City in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Pochettino spoke before that game at Wembley and acknowledged Fernandez's fitness troubles. The west Londoners' boss stressed the need to protect the youthful playmaker (via The Standard):
"It is true that he suffered some problems in the past but he is dealing really well with the situation. We always assess him day by day. We need to protect him because he is a young guy, and the present is important, but so is the future."
Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica for £106.8 million in January 2023, which was then a British transfer record. He's appeared 61 times across competitions, managing seven goals and five assists. The former River Plate youngster has only missed five games this season due to injury.
