Enzo Maresca confirms Enzo Fernandez out of Chelsea squad

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has explained why midfielder Enzo Fernandez is absent from the squad for the early kick-off against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground today.

Maresca has confirmed Fernandez has missed his side’s trip to Forest through injury, but also plays down fears over the severity of the problem by saying it is “not a big concern”. 

The Blues head to Ange Postecoglou’s struggling Forest on Saturday afternoon as they look to secure back-to-back Premier League victories following their last-gasp win over Liverpool.

Read more: Chelsea star Cole Palmer out for six more weeks with injury

The Italian tactician confirmed ahead of the game against Forest that Fernandez, alongside in-form midfielder Moises Caicedo and winger Pedro Neto, was an injury doubt for the lunchtime kick-off at the City Ground.

“They didn’t take part in the session yesterday, but we will see if they can train today,” Maresca said in his pre-match press conference. “Otherwise, they would be out for tomorrow.”

However, while Neto has been named in Chelsea’s starting lineup for the Forest match, with Caicedo listed among the substitutes, Fernandez has not recovered in time and will miss the game entirely.

Chelsea’s XI for Forest: Sanchez; James (c), Chalobah, Acheampong, Cucurella; Gusto, Lavia; Neto, Andrey Santos, Garnacho; Pedro. 

Chelsea substitutes: Jorgensen (GK), Adarabioyo, Gittens, Hato, Caicedo, George, Guiu, Estevao, Buonanotte.

Speaking ahead of the game against Forest, Maresca told TNT Sports: “It’s not a big concern. He’s out for a problem, for an injury, and hopefully he can be back very soon.”

Fernandez has been in excellent form for Chelsea in the 2025/26 season, bagging three goals and providing one assist in the team’s first seven league matches. Maresca is hoping that the 24-year-old will not spend too long on the sidelines through injury.

The Argentine international has played an important role for the Club World Cup champions this season, being in on the goals in the victories over London rivals West Ham and Fulham. At the same time, he also scored in the 3-1 loss at the hands of Brighton.

More to follow…