Fernandez to miss rest of season after groin surgery

Chelsea have confirmed that midfielder Enzo Fernandez will miss the remainder of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign after undergoing “successful” surgery for a groin issue.

Fernandez, who joined Chelsea for £106.8 million in January 2023, is the latest to join an extensive injury list which has frustrated boss Mauricio Pochettino in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.

The 23-year-old has made 40 appearances for the club in all competitions this season, and has enjoyed an improved 2024 alongside his side’s relative upturn in form. The surgery means he is likely to feature in this summer’s Copa America.

A club statement read: “Enzo Fernandez has today undergone successful surgery on a groin issue and will now begin a period of rehabilitation, sidelining him for the remainder of Chelsea’s 2023/24 season.

“The 23-year-old midfielder will work with the club’s medical department on his rehabilitation at Cobham.”

Chelsea continue to attempt to salvage something from Pochettino’s first season in charge after squandering opportunities for silverware in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup against Liverpool and Manchester City respectively at Wembley Stadium earlier in the campaign.

The Blues sit in ninth, six points off Manchester United in sixth. However, Chelsea’s chances of a late surge will be severely hampered by their ever-growing list of injured players.

Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Lesley Ugochukwu, Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku have faced extended spells on the sidelines this season, while Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto had to sit out of their 5-0 thumping by Arsenal last time out.

On his side’s injury woes, Pochettino said earlier this month that it is “not fair to judge” his players for the season they have endured, adding he has not had a “fit squad” to choose from.

Chelsea face Aston Villa live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Saturday, with both sides looking to bolster their respective hopes of European football next season.

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