Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that midfielder Enzo Fernandez will be available for selection against Bournemouth this Sunday.
He claimed in his pre-match press conference that the 22-year-old is fit despite returning late from international duty this week.
Fernandez has been an ever-present for the Blues this season, and has continued to show exactly what they paid so much money for.
He was denied opening his account from the penalty spot against West Ham, although he did score the winner in the League Cup tie a few days before the international break.
The World Cup winner has begun to form a partnership with club-record signing Moises Caicedo in the middle of the park, with there being plenty of optimism over their potential together at Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino confirms Fernandez will start
Both had successful breaks with their country over the last seven days. Fernandez found the net whilst Caicedo set up a goal from a corner.
Pochettino has claimed while there are a few question marks over the Ecuadorian, the World Cup’s young player of the tournament is fit and ready to go ahead of Sunday.
He said: “Today, he’s good. He’s in a good mood, has a good energy. He scored against Bolivia. Yes, I think he’s in a very good mood and I think he is ready.”
“Moises, we need to assess him because he was a little bit later than Enzo, but hopefully yes, he will be fit to play.”
Any game where Fernandez is not fit to feature is going to be a real blow for the Blues, so it is crucial that he is as fit for as long as possible.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
