Premier League club Chelsea announced that midfielder Enzo Fernández will be sidelined for the remaining six games of the season after undergoing groin surgery.
Fernández, an Argentina international, had been dealing with a hernia issue since December.
Despite this, he started in Chelsea’s recent 5-0 defeat to Arsenal but was later substituted in the second half.
“Enzo Fernandez has today undergone successful surgery on a groin issue and will now begin a period of rehabilitation, sidelining him for the remainder of Chelsea’s 2023-24 season,” Chelsea said in a statement on Thursday.
“The 23-year-old midfielder will work with the club’s medical department on his rehabilitation at Cobham.”
Fernández’s absence adds to Chelsea’s challenges as they currently sit ninth in the league and are set to face fourth-placed Aston Villa on Saturday.
Argentina will be eager for Fernández’s swift recovery, especially with the Copa America scheduled to take place in the United States in June and July.