Why isn’t Enzo Fernández playing for Chelsea against Wolves in the Premier League?

It’s probably not too much of an exaggeration to say things aren’t going especially well for Chelsea in the Premier League, despite them spending - literally - over a $1 billion in the transfer market since the BlueCo consortium led by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly took over in May 2022.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side face Chelsea in a rare - and controversial - Christmas Eve game in the English top flight and are desperate to start making their way up the table from 10th. However, even a win at Molineux will not be enough to move them up the standings, and if they are to pick up all three points they will have to do so without the biggest signing in their history.

How much did Chelsea spend on Fernández?

Enzo Fernández became a true global superstar while helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and, after much speculation, signed on at Stamford Bridge on the last day of the transfer window in January 2023 for a reported free of £106.8 million (around $135.4 million).

While he has been one of the first names on the Chelsea team sheet and has impressed on the whole, the midfielder hasn’t so far been able to inspire his side to meet expectations of a push for a European place.

What injury does Fernández have? How long will he be out?

And Fernández could now be set for a spell out of action after coming off early in the midweek penalty shootout victory in the Carabao Cup against Newcastle United. In his pre-match press conference before Sunday’s fixture against Wolves, Pochettino revealed his compatriot wouldn’t play at Molineux and was struggling with both injury and illness.

“Enzo is going to be out of the game against Wolverhampton. We are going to see if he can be involved again as soon as possible. You already have the information that it was a hernia and he also didn’t feel well. We are going to give treatment with the doctor. For me, it is not going to be a problem. I think he is going to be as soon as possible again with the group.”

After the Christmas Eve clash, The Blues have two more Premier League games before the end of the year, hosting Crystal Palace on Wednesday 27 December and travelling to Luton Town on Saturday 30 December.

Captain James set for long spell out through injury

Chelsea will also be without club captain Reece James for a lengthy spell, with the Daily Telegraph reporting he could be out for up to four months after undergoing surgery on a hamstring issue.

Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, Wesley Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka and Trevoh Chalobah are all also in the treatment room at present.