Chelsea midfielder is a doubt for Nottingham Forest clash after latest update | OneFootball

Chelsea Sweat Over Enzo Fernandez Fitness Ahead of Nottingham Forest Clash

Chelsea have been left frustrated after a change to Argentina’s international schedule placed added strain on Enzo Fernandez ahead of the Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest. The midfielder was originally expected to feature in a friendly against Puerto Rico in Chicago on Monday but the fixture has now been moved to Florida and pushed back by 24 hours.

An official confirmation has yet to be issued, although Chicago Park District spokesman Luca Serra told the Associated Press, “Yes, confirming that the Argentina against Puerto Rico match has been cancelled in Chicago. The promoter made the decision this morning due to low ticket sales.”

An Argentine Football Association executive gave a different reasoning, citing unrest in Chicago “where President Donald Trump has deployed the National Guard to quell protests against the immigration crackdown.”

Reuters added that the match, previously set for Soldier Field, will now be staged at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, home of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

Turnaround Time Becomes Major Issue

For Chelsea and manager Enzo Maresca, now into his second season in charge, the consequences are obvious. The Premier League encounter at Nottingham Forest kicks off at 12:30pm BST on Saturday 18 October. If Argentina retain the original 7pm local time slot, Fernandez would not complete his international duties until around 1am BST on Wednesday.

Photo: IMAGO

What follows is a long-haul flight back across the Atlantic, a limited recovery window and a tactical reset before travelling to the City Ground.

The Argentine has been central to Chelsea’s midfield structure this season, dictating tempo and offering balance. Losing freshness, or worse, losing him altogether for such a key fixture would be far from ideal.

Injury Concerns Stack Up

Complicating the issue further is Chelsea’s ongoing injury list. “Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, Andrey Santos, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo and Dario Essugo have also been nursing injuries, while Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong were both forced off in the last-gasp win over Liverpool before the international break – a game for which Trevoh Chalobah was suspended.”

Squad rotation has already been a necessity for Maresca, yet Fernandez is one of the few players he has been unwilling to rest. Chelsea rely heavily on his technical quality and press resistance, particularly in high-pressure away fixtures.

Nottingham Forest Opportunity Or Risk?

Nottingham Forest have been unpredictable at home, capable of unsettling established sides with physical intensity. With Chelsea aiming to build consistency, this fixture carries importance beyond its early-season billing.

Whether Fernandez starts may depend on how he handles the turnaround, although the desire to play will be there. Elite footballers regularly face these schedules, although Chelsea will hope fatigue does not open the door for mistakes.

For now, Chelsea wait for clarity on kick-off time and travel plans. What is certain is that every additional hour of rest will matter.