Enzo Fernandez to miss rest of 2023/24 season

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has decided to undergo surgery for a hernia injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2023/24 season.

The Argentine midfielder will reportedly undergo the procedure on Thursday to address the pain he has been experiencing.

Sources from Argentina indicate that Fernandez aims to regain full match fitness ahead of the Copa America, where Argentina will be defending their title on US soil.

The Argentine Football Association has been urging Fernandez to undergo surgery as soon as possible to maximize his recovery time before the summer tournament.

With his discomfort intensifying in recent days, the 2022 World Cup winner has opted for surgery this week, effectively ending his season at Chelsea.

Meanwhile, the Blues are currently vying for a place in European competition next season.

Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica for £106 million ($134m) in January last year, has struggled to fulfill his potential due to the injury and subsequent underperformance.

In a statement to the official Chelsea website, Fernandez acknowledged his ongoing struggles with fitness, expressing his desire to return to his peak form.

“I’m trying to get there, to the version of me that you saw at the World Cup.

I want to feel like that Enzo, that was playing at the World Cup.

I feel good, getting better each day, but I still don’t feel like I’m at 100 %.

I’m still adapting and still don’t feel entirely myself, but I’m trying to get there as quickly as possible and working hard every day in order to do so,” Fernandez said.

Chelsea missed out on the FA Cup after losing 1-0 in the semifinals to holders Manchester City.