Everton v Chelsea: Injury news as Enzo Fernandez update issued
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has reportedly missed training due to an inflamed adductor, meaning he could be rested when Everton visit Stamford Bridge on Monday (15 April).
The London side face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday (20 April) and could prioritise ensuring the midfielder is fit for that clash.
TYC Sports journalist Gaston Edul reported the player’s issue but also outlined that it was not a serious problem, meaning he could be fit to feature.
Edul posted on X: “Enzo Fernandez did not train at the same time in Chelsea because he has an inflammation in his adductor. Without fibrillar rupture (that is, there is no muscle strain or injury).
“There is a chance that they will rest him against Everton so that he can reach 100% against Man City.”
Enzo Fernandez absence would be a boost for Everton against Chelsea
If Mauricio Pochettino does choose to rest Fernandez, that will certainly boost Everton’s chances of success at Stamford Bridge.
The 23-year-old is Chelsea’s fourth-most used player in the Premier League, behind fellow midfielders Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher, as well as defender Axel Disasi.
In the absence of the Argentina international, Gallagher may be asked to drop into a deeper role alongside Caicedo, and though the Englishman offers plenty of energy, he lacks the same technical quality as Fernandez.
Fernandez’s progressive passing is a key component of how Chelsea move the ball up the field and without him, the London side may be blunter in attack and more vulnerable to being pressed by Sean Dyche’s men.
Everton sit two points clear of the relegation zone with two games in hand and could extend that gap to five points with an unlikely victory over Chelsea.
That would certainly not go amiss as the Toffees look to avoid the drop amid a season plagued by off-field drama.
In other Everton news, the third-party debt has now risen to over £500million as the Toffees have had to shell out an eight-figure payment as chaos ensues.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.