In a recent development, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was unable to participate in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Bournemouth due to illness. Despite starting in each of Chelsea’s first three Premier League matches this season against Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Crystal Palace, Fernandez was notably absent from the squad for the match against the Cherries. The 23-year-old had also been involved in Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers, where he played in a win against Chile and a loss to Colombia.
In Fernandez’s absence, Renato Veiga, a summer signing, was given the chance to partner with Moises Caicedo in the midfield. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca explained before the game that Fernandez and fellow midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall were both out due to illness, stating to Sky Sports, “The reason why is because him (Fernandez) and Dewsbury-Hall have unfortunately both been ill.”
Despite missing Fernandez and Dewsbury-Hall, Chelsea secured their second win of the season in the Premier League. Robert Sanchez made a crucial save on Evanilson’s first-half penalty, keeping the score level before Christopher Nkunku scored the winning goal in the 86th minute after a pass from debutant Jadon Sancho.
Looking ahead, Fernandez aims to recover in time for Chelsea’s upcoming match against West Ham United at the London Stadium. It remains uncertain whether Maresca will immediately bring Fernandez back into the lineup, especially after Veiga’s solid performance in the previous game. Veiga played the entire match against Bournemouth and may have made a case for a permanent spot in the starting XI.