Chelsea get dream Enzo Fernandez scenario after huge injury worry for Mauricio Pochettino

Chelsea's win over Crystal Palace was a game that felt a lot like others in 2023. It had all the hallmarks of matches that the Blues have failed to win over the past 18 months but some added fight, a little bit of luck and general good play here and there got them over the line.

From the loaded possession to the half chances missed, poor counter-attacking decision making, huge opportunities squandered and Stamford Bridge groans, there was a familiar feel about much of this. However, not only did Mauricio Pochettino's side keep themselves going, they also managed to win late on and did so without Enzo Fernandez for just the first time this season.

The Argentine has played more football than most in the past year, being crowned a world champion this time in 2022, it's no surprise he has gradually fatigued. With Romeo Lavia out until this past week there has been added burden on Fernandez both physically and mentally.

Here is a 22-year-old that has been in the country for less than a full season, with a new-born baby to look after and the weight of most of the creative play in a dysfunctional, highly inefficient team. No wonder his body let him down earlier this month. No wonder Pochettino has been forced to go without.

However, unlike against Sheffield United where he was used as a late substitute, Fernandez played no role at all in the win over Palace. He managed half an hour of the eventual penalties win against Newcastle before being taken off through illness — it was later explained that he is nursing a hernia injury.

In the league this was the first win Chelsea have had without him since he arrived last January. For Pochettino it was a big day and the fact that his Argentine compatriot wasn't there has even wider