Chelsea FC is heading into the international break with renewed concerns over the fitness of key players, as vice-captain Enzo Fernández and forward João Pedro both requested substitutions during the recent 3-0 victory against Wolves.
The club also received a disappointing update regarding the return of influential playmaker Cole Palmer.
Fernández has subsequently ruled himself out of international duty with Argentina, citing a long-standing knee issue that worsened following recent heavy fixture congestion.
Speaking after the match, the midfielder revealed the extent of his struggles: “I will not be available with Argentina. I was just talking to the medical team because I had a problem with my knee in the last 4 months… I came with a bone edema that got worse in the last weeks and months because we played a lot of games.”
He added that the decision was necessary to manage the remainder of the season, stating: “I think the most important thing is coming to the end of the season and I think it’s good to make this decision together. Always respecting the doctors and everything.”
João Pedro’s withdrawal was also injury-related, stemming from a persistent groin complaint he has been managing for weeks.
Manager Maresca commented on the immediate post-match concerns for both players: “Joao Pedro, [Pedro] Neto and Enzo [Fernandez], they asked for a change.
Because Pedro had a problem with his groin. And Enzo had a problem with his knee. So we need to see how they are now.”
Meanwhile, the expected return of star attacker Cole Palmer has been delayed. Having only made four appearances this season due to a niggling groin injury, the initial forecast for his return was premature.
Maresca gave a revised, later timeline: “I was wrong. Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks.” Maresca, however, confirmed that surgery is not required and Palmer remains in good spirits:
“He looks very good, to be honest, he looks relaxed. He’s trying to recover from the injury, he’s doing all the therapy that he needs to do, so he looks good.”
Palmer is now unlikely to feature again until December.