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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Midfielder nursing hernia problem</li><li>Will be forced to undergo surgery</li><li>Decision to make on operation date</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Why £106m Chelsea man Enzo Fernandez could MISS the rest of the season as Argentina star sets sights on Copa America – explained

Premier League

Chelsea

Bournemouth

The Albiceleste, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/2024-copa-america-power-rankings/blt2832f40029cd1a71" target="_blank">eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi in their ranks</a>, will be looking to defend their continental crown on U.S. soil this summer. Their intention is to call upon the services of World Cup winner Fernandez for that competition.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Fernandez is, however, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/injury-problems-chelsea-mauricio-pochettino-enzo-fernandez-decision-hernia-surgery/blt0c05f8b9d420dad1" target="_blank">carrying an inguinal hernia problem that will require him to undergo an operation</a>. No decision has been made as yet regarding a date for surgery, but the Argentina camp are pushing for that procedure to take place as soon as possible.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Argentina news outlet <a href="https://www.ole.com.ar/seleccion/enzo-fernandez-vuelve-jugar-preocupacion-seleccion-hernia_0_6u5JiOIRAI.html " target="_blank">Ole</a> points out that if the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/chelsea-injury-list-grows-again-enzo-fernandez-four-additional-players-everton-absentees-double-figures/bltd02b927bdbbe529b" target="_blank">23-year-old midfielder were to go under the knife</a> imminently, then he would be fully recovered in time for the Copa America. That competition is due to get underway on June 20 – with the world champions opening things up against Canada.

DID YOU KNOW?

A major sticking point when it comes to surgery for Fernandez is that he would miss the remainder of the season at Chelsea if he were to seek hernia treatment at this stage. The Blues are still pushing for European qualification, with a battle of wills now on the cards as a club versus country debate breaks out in west London.

WHAT NEXT?

Why £106m Chelsea man Enzo Fernandez could MISS the rest of the season as Argentina star sets sights on Copa America – explained | Goal.com Nigeria

Chelsea may end up being without Enzo Fernandez for the rest of the season, with the Argentina star starting to plan for the Copa America.

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