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Chelsea fans were left scratching their heads when the team sheet for the clash against Nottingham Forest dropped — and Enzo Fernandez’s name was nowhere to be seen.
The Argentine midfielder, one of the Blues’ key men this season, was a surprise absentee, sparking a flurry of questions on social media.
Was it an injury? A tactical move? Or just good old Maresca mind games?
Ahead of the game, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca had hinted that Fernandez might not feature due to fitness concerns.
The 24-year-old reportedly suffered swelling in his knee after last weekend’s match and didn’t take part in the final training session.
Still, fans hoped he would make the bench at least — but the City Ground trip came too soon.
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Maresca confirmed the news before kickoff, telling 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.”
That reassurance may calm nerves at Stamford Bridge — though not entirely. After all, Chelsea’s medical room has looked busier than their midfield lately.
Another Chelsea star missing from starting XI
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While Fernandez sat out completely, Moises Caicedo was named among the substitutes. Romeo Lavia made his first start of the season, while young Andrey Santos — who once had a short and forgettable spell at Forest — was handed a rare chance in the No.10 role.
Maresca also brought Trevoh Chalobah back into the lineup after suspension, as injuries continued to stretch his squad thin.
Despite the absences, Chelsea entered the fixture chasing back-to-back Premier League wins after that dramatic victory over Liverpool before the break.
Fernandez’s absence, however, left a creative void — one that even a fully charged midfield battery might struggle to replace.
Fernandez has been a regular under Maresca this season, dictating play with calm passing and sharp vision.
Chelsea's starting XI vs. Nottingham Forest: Sanchez; James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Gusto, Lavia; Neto, Santos, Garnacho; Pedro
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