Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino explains why he can't play £106.8m star against Leicester

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been speaking to the media ahead of the FA Cup game this weekend.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed Enzo Fernandez is suspended for the game against Leicester this weekend. The Argentinian midfielder has been a mainstay in the Chelsea team since he signed over a year ago, but this weekend, he can only watch on from the stands.

Enzo picked up the second of his two yellow cards against Leeds United in the last round of the Cup. His absence now means the Chelsea boss will have to make changes to his squad for the must-win game this weekend.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mykhailo Mudryk, who scored a brilliant goal against Newcastle is now expected to benefit from the World Cup winner's absence with Conor Gallagher and Moises Caicedo expected to be the support system in the middle of the Park.

Pochettino said when asked about his team selection: "Yes [Enzo Fernandez's suspension aids his rest], and then it's international break. He will travel with the national team. Always you want to have your best players, but we have players to replace him and perform in the same way."

Chelsea looking to return to Wembley

Chelsea host Leicester in the FA Cup on Sunday looking for another trip to Wembley. 

While the Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool there last month will surely take some getting over, Mauricio Pochettino can lead his team back to Wembley with a win against the Championship leaders.

The FA Cup still remains a viable route for them to secure European football with the winner guaranteed a spot in the Europa Conference League.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.