Enzo Maresca has provided an update on Enzo Fernandez ahead of Chelsea's clash against Ajax in the UEFA Champions League. The 24-year-old midfielder was left out of the matchday squad at the weekend when the Blues stormed past Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Fernandez pulled out of the Argentina squad midway through the October international break due to ‘inflammation of the knee’. The Chelsea maestro played 78 minutes in a 1-0 win over Venezuela before missing a 6-0 victory against Puerto Rico a few days later.
Despite getting some extra rest, Fernandez wasn't fit enough to make the bench in the East Midlands. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon, Maresca insisted he'll continue to protect the Argentine.
The Blues boss said: "Enzo took part in the session yesterday. We have one more session this afternoon and we will decide with him tomorrow. It is not something we have to be worried about. It's to try and protect Enzo."
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
On the injury crisis at Stamford Bridge, Maresca added: "It's difficult, especially because most of the injuries we had were one or two days before the game. We are trying to adapt.
"It's complicated because sometimes you plan for some players to play one week, but then you need that player because of another injury."
Maresca also provided an update on Liam Delap, who's been nursing a hamstring injury. The 22-year-old striker suffered the problem during Chelsea's 2-0 win over Fulham just before the September international break.
Liam Delap limps off
Liam Delap limps off during Chelsea's win over Fulham (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Fortunately, Delap didn't require surgery. Maresca said: "Liam is very close. He is not working with us yet. He is still out. Hopefully, in the next days, he can start training with us."
With Delap still out, Marc Guiu will be determined to stake his claim for a place in the starting lineup. The 19-year-old striker hasn't featured much since Chelsea recalled him from his loan at Sunderland.
However, he made a great impression when he was brought on at half-time at the weekend. On Guiu, Maresca said: "We have him and Tyrique. He can play as a number nine.
"We have different options - we will see after the session this afternoon," added the Chelsea boss. "We trust Marc. We trust him last year, he was playing in the Conference League. We gave him some Premier League games. He will play games for us, for sure."
This is a developing news story that will be updated with relevant information as we get it. More to follow...
Join the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp community
Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal from the penalty spot with team mate Jadon Sancho during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Stamford Bridge on September 28, 2024
Sign up to our Chelsea WhatsApp service and get all the latest breaking news and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Chelsea writers direct to your phone.
By signing up to this free service you will be the first to know the news from Stamford Bridge as it happens.
To join our Chelsea community, all you have to do is **click this link**to join and you're in!