Chelsea faces injury setback as star player withdraws from international duty due to knee problem

Chelsea have encountered a potential injury concern after a key player from manager Enzo Maresca’s squad was forced to pull out of international matches because of a knee injury.

The team recently enjoyed a positive period, securing a dramatic 2-1 win against Liverpool, before the international break. However, they now find themselves facing further challenges with their squad.

Several players including Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Andrey Santos, and Dario Essugo have been sidelined this season due to various injuries. Notably, Levi Colwill is expected to miss most of the season following an ACL injury, and captain Reece James withdrew from England’s squad with an injury last week.

The latest concern involves Argentina’s midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who has withdrawn from the Argentine squad due to a knee issue. Fernandez was seen in training wearing a knee brace earlier this week and played 78 minutes in a friendly against Venezuela. The Argentine Football Association confirmed his withdrawal due to synovitis, an inflammation of the joint lining, which can take days or weeks to recover.

Fernandez had been participating in Argentina’s preparations, but his knee’s condition—pictured with strapping—has prevented him from being available for upcoming matches, including against Puerto Rico. Despite the injury, he was able to feature in the recent friendly, but he will miss the next fixture.

Chelsea hope Fernandez’s knee issue is minor amid ongoing midfield absences. Palmer is expected to return in November after recovering from a groin injury, while another player, who recently underwent thigh surgery, may be out until early 2026. Chelsea’s next fixtures include a home clash with Nottingham Forest, a Champions League match against Ajax, and a league game against Sunderland.