Chelsea’s preparations for their next Premier League showdown against Nottingham Forest have hit a snag — and it’s all down to Enzo Fernández’s international schedule.
According to Chelsea Chronicles, the Argentine midfielder is unlikely to be available for the October 18 fixture as he remains on duty with Argentina for their upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
The 23-year-old has been in superb form, fresh off a commanding display in Chelsea’s 3–1 win over Liverpool, but his return to London could come too late for Enzo Maresca’s plans. Argentina’s second friendly — originally set for Chicago — has now been rescheduled and moved to Florida, with kickoff times meaning the game will finish in the early hours of October 15.
That leaves just a 72-hour window before Chelsea’s early Saturday kickoff, a logistical nightmare that makes Fernández’s participation highly improbable.
Maresca now faces a major midfield headache. Andrey Santos could be drafted in if he recovers from his recent knock, while there’s speculation that Reece James or Malo Gusto might be asked to step into midfield — though James himself has just withdrawn from England duty with a minor issue.
Fernández’s potential absence will be a huge blow. The World Cup winner has been the heartbeat of Chelsea’s midfield this season — dictating tempo, linking play, and driving the team forward with the kind of composure and energy that define elite-level players.
The silver lining? Moisés Caicedo is expected to be fit and available, giving Maresca at least one half of his trusted midfield engine.
Still, Chelsea fans will be hoping Fernández can recover and return swiftly — even if his comeback comes just a bit too late for the Forest trip.
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