Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez missed his side’s return to Premier League action against Bournemouth because of illness, according to a report.
Midfielder Fernandez was the most notable absentee from manager Enzo Maresca’s starting lineup at the Vitality Stadium, joining new signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in being ruled out by illness.
Fernandez, who had started all of Chelsea’s previous three top-flight matches this season, played for 85 minutes of Argentina’s 2-1 defeat in 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying in Colombia on Tuesday.
Under the lights. #CFC | #BOUCHE pic.twitter.com/OmJzQjav7E
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 14, 2024
Chelsea starting lineup: Sancho on bench
Maresca was already without midfielder Romeo Lavia and full-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto because of injuries.
Versatile Portuguese midfielder Renato Veiga and centre-back Axel Disasi came in as the Italian targeted successive league away wins in his first season at the helm.
Jadon Sancho, who joined on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy from Manchester United on transfer deadline day, started on the bench, with Maresca saying the former England attacker could offer Chelsea “a lot”.
“He arrived two weeks ago,” Maresca added to Sky Sports. “He needs a bit of time but he is ready to give us minutes. We will see in the second half.”
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 14, 2024
Bournemouth starting lineup
Bournemouth brought in Mark Travers for Kepa Arrizabalaga because the goalkeeper cannot play against his parent club as part of his season-long loan from Stamford Bridge.
Adam Smith supplanted Julian Araujo in defence, while Turkey forward Enes Unal returned on the bench following an injury.
The Cherries made a promising start in pursuit of enhancing their unbeaten start to the season when Marcus Tavernier struck the crossbar from distance after five minutes.
Andoni Iraola’s…
Author : Ben Miller
Publish date : 2024-09-14 19:34:41
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Author : soccernews
Publish date : 2024-09-14 19:38:53
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.