CHELSEA have been handed a fresh fitness concern after Enzo Fernandez was subbed off in the first half against Newcastle.
The midfielder was replaced by Armando Broja after just 32 minutes on Wednesday night.
Fernandez headed straight down the tunnel with a member of Chelsea’s medical staff and assistant manager Jesus Perez after he was withdrawn in a potential blow to Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
He had indicated to the bench minutes prior to the substitution, before attempting to continue.
The Blues are already without 10 first-team players, including captain Reece James and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Pochettino put Fernandez’s withdrawal down to illness when talking to Sky Sports after his side’s penalty victory.
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He said: “He felt sick. Before the game he didn’t feel really, really well. When he started to play, it didn’t go well. That’s why he asked to go out. We hope it’s not a big thing.”
However fans are concerned that it could be more than just illness as their big money man was seen in tears after the game.
Cameras caught Fernandez crying while he trotted around the Stamford Bridge pitch after his side booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
The Blues boss had recalled Fernandez to his starting line-up in the only change from Saturday’s win over Sheffield United.
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The 22-year-old has missed just one match across all competitions so far this season.
But Chelsea survived without him for the remainder of the game as they grabbed a late equaliser to force penalties through Mykhailo Mudryk.
The Londoners made the most of the spot kick lottery too as they secured their place in the next round of the league cup winning 4-2 from the 12-yard shootout.
Chelsea swooped to complete a then British record £105million deal for Fernandez last January.
The World Cup winner signed an eight-and-a-half year deal with the Blues and has since been a rare bright spark at Stamford Bridge.
Across 42 appearances, the Argentinian has scored three goals and provided three assists.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
