Chelsea have confirmed that Enzo Fernandez will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery.
Fernandez missed the 6-0 win over Everton earlier this month, before returning to action to start the 1-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City and Wednesday's heavy 5-0 Premier League loss to Arsenal.
The Argentine's appearance against the Gunners will prove to be his final one of the season, having undergone surgery to solve an inguinal hernia.
Chelsea released a statement to confirm earlier reports that Fernandez has gone under the knife and will now miss the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign.
The statement read: "Enzo Fernandez has today undergone successful surgery on a groin issue and will now begin a period of rehabilitation, sidelining him for the remainder of Chelsea's 2023-24 season. The 23-year-old midfielder will work with the club's medical department on his rehabilitation at Cobham."
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Chelsea lose Fernandez for rest of season
Fernandez will finish his first full season as a Chelsea player with seven goals and three assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
Mauricio Pochettino will now have to cope without Fernandez for Chelsea's final six games against Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth.
Fernandez will join a lengthy injury list which includes Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, Lesley Ugochukwu, Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku.
Chelsea should have their star man Cole Palmer available for Saturday's clash with Aston Villa after the 21-year-old was forced to miss the defeat to Arsenal due to illness.
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How does Fernandez's injury affect Argentina?
Having been hampered by the ongoing groin issue, Fernandez will hope that he can quickly recover to be available for selection for the upcoming Copa America in the USA.
Lionel Scaloni's side are due to begin the defence of their trophy against Canada on June 20, before they wrap up the group stage with games against Chile and Peru.
Fernandez, who has never played at the Copa America, was a key part of the Argentina side that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The former Benfica man started five of Argentina's seven matches as they went all the way to claim their first World Cup trophy since 1986.
Since making his international debut in September 2022, Fernandez has gone on to make 21 appearances for his country, contributing four goals and three assists.
