Why was Enzo Fernandez missing from Chelsea's squad in Bournemouth win? Report provides update
Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez did not play a part in his side's victory over AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, September 14. The Blues secured their second league victory of the campaign with a slim 1-0 win over the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium.
An 86th-minute goal from Christopher Nkunku did the job for Enzo Maresca's side. The Frenchman came off the bench to score the winner off an assist from new signing Jadon Sancho who was also a second-half substitute.
Chelsea's vice-captain Fernandez took no part in the encounter. The Argentine midfielder was not even included in the matchday squad. According to Football London (via Yahoo Sports) the 23-year-old was left out of the squad due to an illness.
In his absence, Maresca fielded a defensive midfield pivot of Moises Caicedo (who captained the side), and summer recruit Renato Viega.
Fernandez's illness comes after his involvement for Argentina during the international break. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner featured largely in La Albiceleste's games against Chile and Colombia during the break.
However, with the west London club having no games during the week, the ex-Benfica star should have enough time to recover for his side's next fixture. The Blues will next play West Ham United in the London derby on Saturday, September 21.
Enzo Fernandez has made five appearances across competitions for the west London club this term. His only goal involvement so far was an assist in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League qualifier against Swiss side Servette FC.
Chelsea handed £25,000 fine by FA after win over AFC Bournemouth
Chelsea have been handed a fine of £25,000 by the FA for the conduct of their players in their 1-0 league win over AFC Bournemouth on Saturday. The Blues were lucky to head home with maximum points in a match that produced 14 yellow cards between both sides.
Referee Anthony Taylor dished yellow cards to eight Chelsea players while Bournemouth had six players being cautioned as well. Club managers Enzo Maresca and Andoni Iraola were also shown yellow cards by the center referee.
Bournemouth were also fined the same amount by the FA. The match produced a league record of yellow cards (14), surpassing the previous record of 13 from last season fixture between Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur.