Enzo Fernandez Rules Himself Out of Argentina Duty as Chelsea Star Reveals a Lingering Injury Problem Lasting Four Months

The World Cup Winner’s Knee Issue Forces Him to Withdraw from International Duty After Shining in Chelsea’s 3-0 Win Over Wolves

It should have been a perfect night for Enzo Fernandez and Chelsea — a commanding 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge, a dominant midfield display, and a step closer to their lofty Premier League ambitions. But as the final whistle blew and Fernandez accepted his Player of the Match award, his post-match revelation left a sour note hanging in the west London air.

The Argentine midfielder, who played a key role in dismantling Wolves, revealed that he has been quietly battling a knee injury for the last four months — one that will now rule him out of international duty with Argentina.

“I’ve been carrying this for a while,” Fernandez admitted with a hint of resignation. “I came with a bone edema that got worse in the last weeks because we’ve played so many games. It’s time to stop and heal properly.”

It was a moment that pulled the curtain back on the immense physical toll of elite football — even for one of the Premier League’s brightest stars.

Commanding Performance as Chelsea Beat Wolves

Until that post-match confession, the night had belonged entirely to Chelsea. Facing a manager-less Wolves side, the Blues produced a performance that underlined their resurgence under Enzo Maresca.

After a frustrating first half, where Chelsea struggled to penetrate Wolves’ low block, the breakthrough came thanks to the relentless composure and creativity of Fernandez in midfield.

He dictated the rhythm with metronomic precision — switching play, breaking lines, and orchestrating attacks that eventually wore down the visitors’ resistance. His performance was less flashy than surgical; every pass felt measured, every movement purposeful.

“Malo Gusto’s goal changed everything,” Maresca said after the game, referencing the young right-back’s opener. “It gave us control and confidence.”

Indeed, it was Fernandez’s influence that allowed players like Gusto, Joao Pedro, and Pedro Neto to thrive. Gusto’s finish — his first for the club in 98 appearances — came from a sweeping move initiated by Fernandez himself. From there, the floodgates opened, with Pedro and Neto sealing a comprehensive win.

For Chelsea, it was a statement performance — one that lifted them to second in the Premier League table and reaffirmed their status as genuine title contenders.

But for Fernandez, the match carried a hidden cost.

“It’s Good to Make This Decision Together”

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Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Fernandez’s tone was calm, but the message was serious.

“I will not be available with Argentina,” he confirmed. “I’ve had this problem with my knee for the last four months. The bone edema got worse because of the number of games. I think it’s good to make this decision together with the medical staff, always respecting the doctors and everything.”

The Argentine’s decision to withdraw from international duty comes at a crucial time in the season. With the Blues entering a congested winter schedule and Fernandez having pushed through discomfort for months, the call to rest and rehabilitate feels both necessary and sensible.

For Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, however, the absence of one of his most trusted midfielders will be a blow ahead of their friendly fixtures against Angola.

Still, Fernandez’s long-term fitness is the priority — both for his country and for Chelsea, who rely on his energy and control in the middle of the park.

Maresca Praises His Midfield General

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was quick to praise Fernandez’s bravery and professionalism after the game.

“He’s been brilliant,” the Italian said. “Even when not 100%, Enzo gives everything. His control, his tempo, his leadership — it all drives us forward. Now it’s about making sure he’s fit and ready for the challenges ahead.”

Maresca also expressed satisfaction at seeing goals shared across the team — a theme he’s been emphasizing since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

“Finally, Malo scored,” he smiled. “He was close so many times. We like our full-backs to attack and arrive in the box. Last year it happened with Marc Cucurella, this year Malo did it, and that goal opened the game. We are very happy.”

For Maresca, the balance between tactical structure and individual expression is what makes this Chelsea side tick. And Fernandez, with his ability to control chaos, is at the heart of it all.

More Injury Concerns for Maresca

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Unfortunately for Chelsea, Fernandez wasn’t the only player to emerge from the game with fitness worries.

Midfielder Moises Caicedo was seen limping during the first half, sparking concern among fans. However, Maresca quickly moved to calm fears after the match.

“Moises got a kick in the first half on his knee, but he finished the game,” he explained. “He’s fine. I asked him after the game — he said he’s OK.”

The manager was less definitive about Pedro Neto, who came off with a groin issue, and of course, Fernandez with his ongoing knee complaint.

“Pedro asked for a change because of his groin, and Enzo for the knee,” Maresca confirmed. “We’ll have to see how they both are in the coming days.”

The timing of the injuries — coming just before an international break — could prove to be a blessing in disguise. The two-week pause gives Chelsea’s medical team valuable time to assess and treat the knocks before the season’s most demanding phase begins.

A Packed Schedule Awaits

When club football resumes, Chelsea’s calendar is relentless.

They travel to Burnley on November 22, before returning to Stamford Bridge for a massive Champions League clash with Barcelona just three days later.

Then, to close out the month, a London derby with Arsenal looms — a match that could have major implications in the title race.

And as if that weren’t enough, the December schedule brings the festive grind: league fixtures against Leeds United and Everton, followed by a Carabao Cup quarter-final showdown with Cardiff City.

For Maresca, the coming weeks will be a test of depth and resilience. Fernandez’s absence, if prolonged, could expose the squad’s midfield balance — but the hope is that his rest during the break will allow him to return fully fit.

Fernandez’s Relentless Mentality

What stands out about Fernandez’s revelation is not just the injury itself, but how long he played through it.

For four months, he’s been a constant presence in Chelsea’s engine room — never complaining publicly, never asking for a rest. In that period, he’s helped transform Chelsea’s midfield, developing chemistry with Caicedo and guiding younger players like Cesare Casadei.

His performances have been tireless, defined by a combination of elegance and grit — traits that made him a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022 and one of the most expensive midfielders in Premier League history following his £107 million transfer from Benfica.

Yet even warriors have limits, and it appears that limit has now been reached.

The Bigger Picture: Playing Through Pain

Fernandez’s situation is far from unique in modern football. The congested fixture list — intensified by international tournaments, expanded competitions, and commercial demands — is pushing players to breaking point.

“Bone edema” — essentially a swelling inside the bone caused by stress or microfractures — is a condition often linked to overuse and insufficient recovery time.

In Fernandez’s case, the accumulation of games across domestic and European fronts has likely aggravated the issue. Rest is the only real cure, making his decision to skip international duty both wise and necessary.

The episode also highlights a broader conversation within football: How much can top-level players endure before performance and health suffer?

A Brief Pause Before the Storm

For now, Fernandez’s focus will shift from orchestrating Chelsea’s midfield to simply healing. The international break offers him a rare pause — time to recover, reflect, and prepare for the season’s next wave.

And if there’s one thing fans know about the Argentine, it’s that he won’t rest easy for long. His competitive edge, the same drive that took him from River Plate to the World Cup stage, won’t allow it.

Expect him to return sharper, hungrier, and ready to lead Chelsea through a December packed with defining fixtures.

Final Thoughts: Chelsea’s Midfield Maestro Faces His Biggest Test Yet

Enzo Fernandez’s honesty after the Wolves game was refreshing — a reminder that even elite athletes are not immune to physical strain.

He’s been the heartbeat of this Chelsea team, and his absence, however brief, will be felt deeply. But by stepping back now, he’s giving himself — and Chelsea — the best chance to thrive later in the season.

As one Stamford Bridge insider put it after the game:

“Enzo’s been playing through pain for months. The fact he still performs at that level tells you everything about him. This break isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom.”

And perhaps that’s the best summary of all. The warrior rests, not because he’s tired — but because he knows the battles ahead are even greater.