On Wednesday, the British record signing finally finalized his transfer, but the club is still awaiting certain documentation.
Chelsea Online News:
Enzo Fernandez, a club-record signing for Chelsea F.C., may not be able to make his debut against Fulham on Friday night, according to manager Graham Potter.
After Chelsea completed a remarkable £106.8 million deadline-day deal with Benfica the previous night, the 22-year-old Argentine was eventually presented on Wednesday.
Although Fernandez is eligible to participate in tomorrow’s west London derby at Stamford Bridge, the club is awaiting authorization.
Potter responded when asked if Fernandez may make his debut on Friday: “We will see. We have to get through the paperwork, he’s got to make sure he gets the clearance and all that.
“I’ve spoken to him, he’s an impressive young man. My Spanish isn’t great, and his English isn’t great, so we needed a translator, but we will get there.
“I’m looking forward to working with him.”
“I found out when it’s done and I’m very, very pleased because we’ve got a fantastic player and I’m very glad to be working with him.” Potter added.
If Fernandez receives the go-ahead to play, he will be joining injured players Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Raheem Sterling, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the lineup.
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Potter continued: [They] are in the squad, not able to play 90 minutes but they are in the squad. Wesley [Fofana] is training with the squad but he will step up. We’re still without the others.”
N’Golo Kante, Christian Pulisic, Armando Broja, and Denis Zakaria are still out injured.
Also anticipated to be in the lineup is Hakim Ziyech, who missed out on a loan move to Paris Saint-Germain in the last hours of the transfer window.
According to reports, PSG is privately accusing Chelsea of delivering the wrong documentation three times as the deal fell through, forcing Ziyech to finish the season at Chelsea.
Potter in his statement said: “He is back in the country and trained this morning. It won’t be the first or last time this happens. He is a professional. He will be an important player and is in the squad to face Fulham.”