How Chelsea Can Cope Without Enzo Fernandez for Next Two Games

The Blues have games in the FA Cup and Premier League on the horizon.

Enzo Fernández has been punished for recent comments. | Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Chelsea’s woes were compounded over the international break as Enzo Fernández thrust his future into doubt.

As if four defeats on the spin prior to club football’s hiatus wasn’t dismal enough for the Blues, Fernández’s decision to publicly flirt with Real Madrid while representing Argentina has darkened the clouds already looming over Stamford Bridge.

Unwilling to be undermined by one of their prized assets, Chelsea have taken the decision to suspend Fernández for the next two matches—the FA Cup quarterfinal with Port Vale this Saturday and the following weekend’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.

As Liam Rosenior seeks to turn Chelsea’s fortunes around, he’s been presented with another selection headache. Here’s how the Blues boss can cope without Fernández over the next two matches.

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Fernández Absence Frees Up Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer has been moved to the right wing recently. | Visionhaus/Getty Images

Sweeping changes are expected against Port Vale on Saturday, the third-tier visitors struggling at the foot of League One and unlikely to pose a serious threat to Chelsea’s chances of progressing to the FA Cup semifinals. Fernández was always unlikely to feature prominently in the battle at Stamford Bridge, instead being preserved for the City duel.

The Argentine, who provided the equalizing goal in the draw with City in January, will be sorely missed, but his absence could allow Cole Palmer to burst in to life. In recent weeks, the midfield duo have been contesting for one starting spot in the No.10 role, often resulting in Palmer being shunted to the right wing.

The England international is an undeniable threat no matter where he features across the forward line, but it’s in attacking midfield where Palmer can be most influential. Rosenior will almost certainly move the ex-City man into the role against his former club, where his movement and ingenuity can unnerve Rodri and Co.

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João Pedro Drops Deeper

João Pedro is one fire for Chelsea. | Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC/Getty Images

Another alternative to Fernández is the Argentine’s international rival João Pedro. Much like Palmer, the Brazilian is not expected to feature against Port Vale in the cup, but will play a critical role in the upcoming clash against City at Stamford Bridge.

Pedro has been a man possessed since Rosenior’s appointment, scoring 11 times during the Englishman’s stint on the touchline. He’s monopolized the center forward position, regular goal contributions ensuring his fellow forward Liam Delap has barely enjoyed a sniff.

However, Pedro is perfectly adept at operating as a No.10—some even arguing it’s his best role—and could well drop deeper for the City match to facilitate Delap’s entrance into the starting lineup. The ex-City striker has been hugely disappointing since arriving in west London, but his speed and physical presence could prove beneficial against Pep Guardiola’s aggressive defensive line.

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Estêvão Handed Opportunity

Estêvão has been tipped to succeed in an attacking midfield role. | Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images

For the Port Vale encounter, Rosenior could turn to Estêvão as his No.10. Despite being primarily deployed on the right wing, the Brazilian has long been tipped to ultimately thrive in attacking midfield. Saturday’s fixture offers the youngster an excellent opportunity to hone his craft against lesser opposition.

As per Transfermarkt, Estêvão has played 12 games as an attacking midfielder previously, providing four goal contributions in total—all of which came with Palmeiras. The Port Vale game would provide him the opportunity to add to that tally in a blue shirt.

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