Injury hit Everton brace for Stamford Bridge test against Chelsea
Everton will travel to Chelsea on Saturday with a stretched squad, as three senior players remain unavailable for the Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro withdraws against Wolves highlight Chelsea depth worries
The exits add to a mounting list of fitness issues for Enzo Maresca's squad, already missing key players including Cole Palmer. With a demanding Premier League and Champions League schedule ahead, the Blues face a crucial test of squad depth.
Fernandez limped off in the 83rd minute, replaced by Andrey Santos, and has since confirmed he will miss Argentina's friendly against Angola on November 14. Speaking after the Wolves match, the midfielder revealed a persistent knee issue.
"I will not be available with Argentina," Fernandez said. "I had a problem with my knee for the last four months. I came with a bone edema that got worse in the last weeks and months because we played a lot of games.
"The most important thing is to focus on the end of the season. This decision was made together with the medical team."
Pedro, who joined Chelsea from Brighton over the summer, also left the pitch early with a groin strain that has troubled him for weeks. Maresca confirmed the issue, alongside the ongoing concerns over Pedro Neto.
"Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez, they asked for a change," Maresca said. "Pedro had a problem with his groin. Enzo had a problem with his knee. We need to see how they are now."
Chelsea's injury list remains extensive. Romeo Lavia was forced off after five minutes against Qarabag with a thigh problem, while Cole Palmer continues his recovery from a groin issue that has limited him to just four appearances this season.
Defender Benoit Badiashile is also sidelined with a muscle tweak, and Dario Essugo, recovering from thigh surgery, is not expected until January 2026. Levi Colwill remains out with an ACL injury, with a return projected for April 2026.
Maresca's priority over the international break will be careful rehabilitation and assessing recovery timelines. While Chelsea have the quality to cope, maintaining squad fitness will be key as they aim to compete on multiple fronts this season.
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