Enzo Fernandez Withdraws from Argentina Squad Due to Knee Injury

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has officially withdrawn from the Argentina national squad ahead of their friendly match against Angola on November 14, 2023. The decision comes as Fernandez continues to struggle with a knee injury that has been affecting him for several months.

In a candid interview with ESPN’s SportsCenter, the 24-year-old revealed he is experiencing significant discomfort due to a bone edema in his knee. “I’ve been talking with the medical staff of the Argentine national side because I’ve been dealing with a knee problem for four months,” said Fernandez after Chelsea’s recent Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The midfielder explained that the condition has worsened in recent weeks, exacerbated by his heavy playing schedule. “We made the decision together that I should rest for these two weeks, since the important part comes at the end of the season, including the Finalissima against Spain and the World Cup,” he stated.

Fernandez has been a vital player for Chelsea this season, featuring in 16 matches and contributing significantly to the team’s performance. He has played a total of 79 games for both club and country since the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

The British National Health Service (NHS) defines edema as swelling often caused by a build-up of fluid in specific areas, which can include the knee. In October, Fernandez also withdrew from the Argentina squad due to swelling in his right knee, which was diagnosed as synovitis, a swelling of the synovial membrane.

Fernandez played 83 minutes in Chelsea’s recent match against Wolverhampton, where the team secured a 3-0 victory before he was substituted off for teammate Andrey Santos. The decision to withdraw from the Argentina squad reflects a careful consideration of his health, as Fernandez aims to recover fully and return to training with his teammates.

“I’m in a lot of pain. I’ll try to recover as much as possible over these two or three weeks and be 100 percent ready to train and play with my teammates again,” he added, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing his health.

As Fernandez focuses on his recovery, Argentina will continue preparations for their upcoming match against Angola without one of their key players.