After just three games of the new Premier League season, Chelsea will see their return to action halted by the first international break of the season.
These periods of the campaign are likely some of the least comfortable for manager Enzo Maresca, as his squad of internationals jet off around the world to represent their nations.
The boss will have also seen an underwhelming 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge to kick things off and been slightly concerned that they are not yet at the pace required to compete at the top.
The Chelsea Chronicle’s player ratings from the game were not too positive to many players, and one individual who scored particularly low was Enzo Fernandez.
Enzo Fernandez is sent off during Argentina vs Colombia
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Enzo Fernandez not in Argentina squad for first international break
There is an argument Fernandez should drop to the bench as it looks as if he is a step behind a number of his teammates at the moment.
It is clear that this is not the level the World Cup winner was reaching last season. Reece James described Fernandez as ‘amazing’ in the lead up to the Club World Cup final over the summer.
A chance for some much needed rest is coming up for the Argentine however, with the midfielder not named in the national team squad for their upcoming fixtures against Venezuela and Ecuador.
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He was sent off for a dangerous challenge in Argentina’s last outing against Colombia, and is therefore suspended for the upcoming games, meaning he can remain at Cobham and work on sharpening up his game.
Enzo Maresca and his staff look on during Chelsea v Crystal Palace - Premier League
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Maresca will be delighted at Fernandez’s Argentina omission
While the boss will be wanting as many of his players as possible on the training ground, Fernandez is one of those who he will be happiest to see stick around.
Chelsea’s midfield options of Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos will all have been jetting off on long-haul flights to South America, with Argentina’s second game happening in the early hours of Wednesday 10 September.
The Blues are back in action just three days later against West London rivals Brentford, with the players needing to make the long flight back before then.
It would be clear that anyone in that situation would not be at their best for the next club game, and Maresca will be particularly thrilled it is one of those players who is not eligible to feature for his country.