In the Carabao Cup match between Chelsea and Newcastle United on Wednesday night, concerns arose as Argentine playmaker Enzo Fernandez was substituted off after only 30 minutes, raising the possibility of another injury setback for the Blues during the holiday period.
Initially positioned in the center alongside Moises Caicedo for the quarterfinal clash, Fernandez’s early exit prompted Mauricio Pochettino to bring on Armando Broja. The abrupt substitution fueled worries about potential injury troubles for Chelsea, a team already grappling with various fitness concerns.
Reports from Sky Sports indicated that Fernandez was not feeling well, and after being taken off, he walked down the hallway accompanied by Jesus Perez, the assistant manager, and other staff members. The situation added to the growing injury list that Pochettino has had to manage.
At halftime, the 22-year-old was observed engaging in a conversation with Pochettino while holding his thigh, suggesting a possible muscle injury.
The severity of the injury and the duration of Fernandez’s potential absence from the squad remained uncertain.
The incident with Fernandez added a layer of concern for Chelsea, who have been navigating a busy schedule and grappling with injuries to key players. The team’s depth and resilience have been tested, and the hope is that Fernandez’s injury, if confirmed, won’t add significantly to the challenges they are already facing.
As the holiday fixtures continue and Chelsea competes on multiple fronts, Pochettino will likely be closely monitoring the fitness of his squad, making crucial decisions to balance the demands of the season.
The unpredictability of injuries remains a constant challenge in football, and Chelsea will be hoping for a swift recovery for Enzo Fernandez, considering the competitive nature of the Premier League and other competitions they are involved in.
