Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has provided a crucial update on midfielder Enzo Fernandez as the Blues prepare for their UEFA Champions League showdown against Ajax at Stamford Bridge. The 24-year-old Argentine, who was absent from the matchday squad during Chelsea’s dominant victory over Nottingham Forest, is still under scrutiny due to a lingering knee issue.
Fernandez withdrew from Argentina’s squad during the October international break after experiencing “inflammation of the knee.” Despite featuring for 78 minutes in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Venezuela, he was sidelined for their subsequent 6-0 thrashing of Puerto Rico. Although the extra rest was expected to aid his recovery, Fernandez was not fit enough to even make the bench for the Nottingham Forest clash.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Maresca addressed Fernandez’s condition with cautious optimism. “Enzo took part in the session yesterday. We have one more session this afternoon, and we will decide with him tomorrow,” the Chelsea boss revealed. “It is not something we have to be worried about. It’s to try and protect Enzo.” His comments suggest Fernandez’s participation against Ajax remains uncertain, leaving Chelsea fans anxiously awaiting further news.
Maresca also touched on the broader injury crisis plaguing Stamford Bridge, which has disrupted his plans. “It’s difficult, especially because most of the injuries we had were one or two days before the game. We are trying to adapt,” he explained. “It’s complicated because sometimes you plan for some players to play one week, but then you need that player because of another injury.”
In addition to Fernandez, Maresca provided an update on striker Liam Delap, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Fulham before the September international break. Fortunately, Delap avoided surgery, and Maresca indicated progress in his recovery. “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,” he said.
With Delap still unavailable, young striker Marc Guiu is seizing his opportunity to shine. The 19-year-old, recently recalled from a loan spell at Sunderland, made a strong impression as a half-time substitute against Nottingham Forest. Maresca expressed confidence in Guiu’s potential, stating, “We have him and Tyrique. He can play as a number nine. 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.” The manager also noted that a final decision on the lineup would follow Tuesday’s training session, with Guiu and other options under consideration.
Looking ahead to the Ajax clash, Maresca acknowledged the challenge posed by the Dutch side. “They always try to play their football. For sure, it will be a difficult game,” he said. “They are a club that have won this competition in the past. They want to prove to everyone that they can come here and beat us. We are going to try and do exactly the same.” Reflecting on Chelsea’s Champions League campaign, Maresca highlighted the learning opportunities from facing top-tier clubs like Bayern Munich and Benfica. “It’s a nice competition because you play against a fantastic club,” he said. “We were not happy with the result at Bayern, but the performance, we were happy with. Benfica, we tried to prepare the game to win in the best way, but when you face this kind of club, there are always things you can learn after the game.”
As Chelsea brace for a pivotal Champions League encounter, all eyes will be on Fernandez’s fitness and Guiu’s potential to step up. With injuries testing the squad’s depth, Maresca’s tactical acumen will be under the spotlight as the Blues aim to outmaneuver Ajax on Wednesday evening.