Fernandez was shown a straight red card for the incident (Image: Premier Sports)
Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez is staring down the barrel of an international ban after being sent off for a shocking high kick to an opponent's head. The midfielder was playing in Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Colombia on Tuesday, but his game was cut short at 70 minutes due to the dismissal.
Fernandez's boot connected with Kevin Castano's face in a dangerous challenge that left his opponent bleeding and in need of medical attention as he squirmed on the floor in pain. The referee didn't hesitate to show the Chelsea player a straight red card, marking only the second dismissal of his career. Fernandez is expected to serve a three-match ban on the international stage.
This comes hot on the heels of a suspension that saw him miss the first match of the international break against Peru. While he will undoubtedly be disappointed to miss the upcoming fixtures in September, his absence could prove beneficial for Chelsea.
With a busy few months ahead at club level, Fernandez is set to be included in the Blues' squad for the forthcoming Club World Cup in the USA. If manager Enzo Maresca's side make it to the final, Fernandez could potentially be playing until July 13.
Following this, Fernandez will have a brief respite before the 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off just over a month later on August 16, with pre-season also scheduled before then.
Enzo Fernandes holding his arm up after the challenge. (Image: Getty Images)
The midfielder's suspension over the September internationals offers him a chance for a well-deserved rest. Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has warned that Chelsea could face challenges next season due to their involvement in the Club World Cup.
He commented: "I think it will have a huge impact and it will give Liverpool and Arsenal a huge advantage in the next season to not be there. I think it will be a very nice experience for the players who are there to play this tournament for the first time so there are mixed feelings about it.
"I decided not to worry too much because why should I? It is a given and no one knows what will be the outcome of it or the effect. We will deal with the effect when the effect comes and let's see. We have a lot of teams in the Champions League next season and European football and let's see."
The sending off of Fernandez wasn't the last twist in Argentina's eventful match against Colombia. Liverpool's Luis Diaz put his team ahead with an outstanding individual goal before Fernandez saw red.
In a surprising turn, Lionel Messi requested to be substituted, paving the way for Thiago Almada to notch an equaliser for the world champions with a clinical strike.