Chelsea host Manchester City at Stamford Bridge this weekend but will be without one of their star players: Enzo Fernandez.
Fernandez has been suspended by Chelsea for two games after hinting at an exit this summer in more than one interview.
The club are right to be unhappy with their midfielder, but excluding him from the matchday squad for Sunday’s game is a decision they could come to regret.
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Enzo Fernandez’s attacking numbers in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City
Fernandez has hurt City in the past, scoring a last-minute equaliser in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw at the Etihad back in January.
The 25-year-old was terrific that day and probably could have had more than one goal. As per Sofascore, Fernandez missed one big chance during the 90 minutes.
In total, Fernandez took three shots and had an xG of 1.66. He was not just a goal threat, though. The Argentine was also a creative outlet for his side.
He created one big chance and registered two key passes. Had Fernandez and his teammates been more clinical on the day, they could have walked away with all three points.
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Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea
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Whatever the case, looking back at his performance in that game and considering his overall ability, Chelsea not using him this weekend already looks like a mistake.
The club are trying to discipline him, which is fine after what has happened, but they are only hurting themselves by making the Argentina international unavailable for such a huge clash.
Dropping Fernandez for the 7-0 win against Port Vale and fining him would have been enough.
Ultimately, you can argue that Chelsea have made a mistake by banning Fernandez for two games. If they struggle in midfield and go on to lose the City match, that is the only thing people will be talking about.
With Fernandez’s future uncertain, though, this could be what life looks like for Chelsea next season. Chelsea fans have already discussed who could replace Fernandez as vice-captain, with the majority on TalkingPoints naming Levi Colwill.
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