Enzo Fernandez, a midfielder for Chelsea, will be unable to play for the rest of the Premier League season due to undergoing surgery on his groin.

In a disappointing blow for Chelsea, midfielder Enzo Fernandez will be out for the rest of the 2023-24 Premier League season due to a groin injury. The club confirmed that Fernandez underwent a successful surgery for the issue.

Fernandez, who joined Chelsea for a record-breaking fee of £106.8 million in January 2023, is the latest addition to the long list of injured players that have plagued manager Mauricio Pochettino’s debut season at Stamford Bridge.

Despite the setback, Fernandez has been a key player for Chelsea this season, making 40 appearances in all competitions. He has shown improvement alongside the team’s recent upturn in form. However, his surgery means he will likely miss out on this summer’s Copa America.

A statement from the club read: “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. The 23-year-old midfielder will work with the club’s medical department on his rehabilitation at Cobham.”

Chelsea, under Pochettino’s guidance, are still striving to salvage something from their first season together. They have missed out on opportunities for silverware in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, losing to Liverpool and Manchester City respectively at Wembley Stadium earlier in the campaign.

Currently sitting in ninth place, six points behind sixth-placed Manchester United, Chelsea’s chances of a late surge in the league are severely hampered by their growing injury list.

The likes of Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Lesley Ugochukwu, Romeo Lavia, and Christopher Nkunku have all faced extended spells on the sidelines this season. Additionally, Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto were unable to play in their recent 5-0 defeat to Arsenal.

Addressing the team’s injury woes, Pochettino stated earlier this month that it would be unfair to judge his players based on the season they have endured, as he has not had a fully fit squad to choose from.

Chelsea’s next challenge comes in the form of Aston Villa, with the match set to be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Both teams will be looking to strengthen their chances of securing European football for next season.