Chelsea manager Graham Potter said it remains unclear whether new signing Enzo Fernandez will be available for Friday’s derby against Fulham due to a work permit issue.
Following Jorginho’s departure, Potter has quite limited options in midfield with N’Golo Kante still out injured and Mateo Kovacic’s availability remains in question.
It is easy to see why many expect Fernandez to feature when Chelsea host west London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Friday.
Despite the lack of training sessions with his new team, Fernandez is clearly fit and quite fresh since he was absent in Benfica’s match against Arouca on Tuesday.
However, Potter, who is clearly happy to have Enzo in his squad, said Chelsea are still dealing with Fernandez’s work permit issue.
“I couldn’t do anything to change anything,” the manager said on Thursday’s press conference (via Chelsea’s 5th Stand app) when asked about Fernandez’s deadline-day transfer.
“I found out when it was done. I’m very, very pleased because he’s a fantastic player.”
About the Argentina international’s possible debut against Fulham, Potter adds: “We’ll see, we need to go through the paperwork to get the clearance.
“My Spanish isn’t great, his English isn’t great, so we’ll get there. Impressive young man.”
If Fernandez is not available, Potter might have to rely on Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who just returned from an injury himself, and youngster Lewis Hall who started in midfield against Liverpool last month.
Conor Gallagher is also an option, although Potter tends to use him in a more advanced role.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.