'Sacked if we don't qualify for Europe' SON's old mentor
The red flags are definitely up for Chelsea. They're missing their midfield core.
'Enzo Fernandez will undergo surgery to ensure he is fit for the Copa America,' Argentina's Diario Ole reported on Friday.
'Enso will undergo hernia surgery in order to arrive without problems at the big tournament in the United States,' said Diario Ole. The player has been playing in the last few weeks despite the pain, receiving injections instead of surgery.
Mauricio Pochettino has previously acknowledged the possibility of Enzo having surgery. Pochettino said: "I have experience in managing these situations. It's important how he feels. If he feels he needs an operation, we will support his decision and nothing will be available," Pochettino said, referring to the possibility of surgery.
For Chelsea, this is the worst news since the 0-5 defeat at Arsenal in the previous game, which sent the team's spirits plummeting again. Enzo has been a key part of Chelsea's midfield since joining the club in January last year until this season. Pochettino has used him as a regular starter and he has seven goals and three assists in 40 official games this season.
However, the surgery has ruled him out for the rest of the season, and we won't see him until the Copa America in preseason.
Enzo's departure has also put Pochettino's future in doubt. The Blues, who had been confident despite their poor results this season, began 스포츠토토 to question Pochettino's future after their last loss to Arsenal.
Some British media outlets have reported that 'Chelsea's qualification for Europe will be the biggest contributing factor in determining Pochettino's future. It is the club's intention and it is looking more and more likely that they will stick to that plan," explaining that qualifying for Europe is the only way for Pochettino to keep his job.
Currently in ninth place, Chelsea (47 points) will need to leapfrog Newcastle (50 points), currently in seventh place, to qualify for Europe. Given the number of games remaining and the goal difference, it's within reach, but the departure of key player Enzo has made the outcome of the upcoming schedule even more uncertain.
In addition to Enzo, Chelsea are already without Reece James, Marlo Guisto, and Christopher N'Kunku, while Romeo Rabia, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Wesley Fofana are already out for the season. Enzo's departure further dampens Mauricio Pochettino's hopes.