Enzo Fernandez 'to undergo surgery' on long-term injury issue
- Fernandez has been battling a hernia for the past few months
- Midfielder's underwhelming form has left many fans concerned
- Argentina international expected to undergo surgery to help his preparations for Copa America
By Tom Gott
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is reportedly expected to undergo surgery on his hernia imminently, which could bring his season to a close.
The Argentina international has been battling the problem for weeks now and recently missed the 6-0 win over Everton as he continued to try and manage the pain.
However, Hernan Castillo has now revealed that Fernandez could head under the knife as early as Thursday as he hopes to recover in time to showcase his best form at this summer's Copa America.
Ole add that Chelsea have been in regular contact with medical officials from the Argentinian national team and it has now been unanimously agreed that Fernandez should undergo surgery now, rather than wait until the summer.
Fernandez is expected to need at least three weeks on the sidelines and will likely wave goodbye to the remainder of the Premier League season, with Chelsea due to face Bournemouth on the final day of the campaign on May 19.
Many fans have pointed to Fernandez's injury as a potential explanation for his underwhelming run of form on the pitch, but Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino believes the midfielder is simply battling a natural adjustment period at his new club.
"For Enzo, after the World Cup to arrive here, in a team that was inconsistent, difficult to get positive results, always it was really difficult," Pochettino admitted. "In summer he was involved in too many games and he arrived late in pre-season, hasn't had a holiday in the last two years.
"Too many negative things happened. [It was] difficult for him to adapt, his family. It's not easy to adapt and perform so quick.
“For sure he is going to be much better next season, after the experience of the whole season in this squad and this team.
"He's more experienced, he gets better feelings. The whole season is good for him to learn. Even if he is a world champion, he needs to adapt to the Premier League and to this club. For me, there is no doubt that he is going to be much better."
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