Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has shed light on his recent decision to keep Enzo Fernandez out of the Premier League starting line-up.
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Despite Fernandez’s prominent role at the season’s start, Maresca emphasizes that his choice is based on balance and physicality in midfield, areas currently well-covered by Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo.
Fernandez, Chelsea’s £106 million signing from Benfica, began the season as a key figure, even captaining the team in six of their first seven league games.
However, his recent appearances have been limited to the Europa Conference League and Carabao Cup. Since overcoming a hamstring injury, Lavia has stepped in alongside Caicedo, providing the physical presence Maresca feels the team needs in Premier League action.
“At this moment, Romeo and Moises give us physicality and strength in the middle,” Maresca stated in his recent press conference. He assured fans that Fernandez’s omission from the starting XI isn’t due to a lack of faith, reaffirming his confidence in the Argentine.
Maresca explained that while Chelsea doesn’t operate with strict “A or B” teams, the sheer size of the squad allows rotation without sacrificing quality on the pitch.
Fernandez’s situation, according to Maresca, is temporary: “We don’t have indispensable players, and with so many games ahead, it doesn’t mean he won’t play in the future.”