Enzo Fernandez sent off for horrifying head stamp but it's good news for Chelsea
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has endured a shocking international fortnight but his Argentina woes might actually prove to be a positive for the Blues heading into next season
Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez is facing an international ban after being sent off for brutally kicking an opponent in the HEAD. The midfielder started in Argentina's World Cup qualifying match against Colombia on Tuesday but lasted just 70 minutes before getting dismissed.
Fernandez raised his boot too high as he attempted to challenge Kevin Castano and made contact with his opponent's face. The shocking challenge immediately drew blood, with Castano needing medical treatment.
And the referee barely hesitated as he brandished a straight red card to the Chelsea man, just the second dismissal of his entire career. Fernandez, 24, will now likely face a three-match ban on the international stage.
He had only just returned from a suspension having missed the first game of the international break against Peru. And while Fernandez will be disappointed to miss the next fixtures in September, his absence might actually be good news for Chelsea.
Fernandez faces a hectic few months on the club front. He is set to be named in the Blues' squad for the upcoming Club World Cup in the USA. Should Enzo Maresca's side go all the way, Fernandez could potentially be in action all the way up until July 13.
Fernandez will then face a short break before the 2025/26 Premier League season gets underway just over a month later on August 16, with pre-season also set to take place before then.
His ban over the September internationals gives the midfielder a chance for a well-earned break. Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has previously suggested that the Blues could be on the back foot next season due to their participation in the Club World Cup.
He said: 'I think it will have a huge impact and it will give Liverpool and Arsenal a huge advantage in the next season to not be there. I think it will be a very nice experience for the players who are there to play this tournament for the first time so there are mixed feelings about it.
'I decided not to worry too much because why should I? It is a given and no one knows what will be the outcome of it or the effect. We will deal with the effect when the effect comes and let's see. We have a lot of teams in the Champions League next season and European football and let's see.'
Fernandez's red card was not the end of the drama in Argentina's clash with Colombia. Liverpool star Luis Diaz had given his side the lead with a brilliant solo effort ahead of Fernandez's dismissal.
Lionel Messi was then surprisingly substituted at his own request only for Thiago Almada to equalise with a precise finish for the reigning world champions.
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