Chelsea‘s Enzo Fernandez has made a notable return to the pitch following surgery for a hernia injury, reported by GOAL. The midfielder came on as a substitute in Argentina’s friendly match against Ecuador, marking his first appearance since April.

Fernandez has been out of action since Chelsea’s crushing 5-0 defeat to Arsenal in April. He played 67 minutes in that game before undergoing surgery. As a result, he missed Chelsea’s final six league matches, a period during which the team remained unbeaten. Despite their success in his absence, Chelsea will undoubtedly be strengthened by the return of their £106 million ($134 million) signing.

Back in action with Argentina

In Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador, Fernandez came off the bench early in the second half, replacing Lautaro Martinez. The 23-year-old’s return is timely, as he looks to build his fitness ahead of the Copa America. Fernandez was introduced alongside Lionel Messi, who has been managing his own fitness carefully, underscoring the importance of getting key players back to peak condition.

Since making his debut in 2022, Fernandez has earned 22 caps for Argentina and scored four goals. Despite his promising start at Chelsea, his contributions have been modest, with just five goal involvements (goals and assists) in his debut campaign. Nevertheless, his return to international play offers a chance to regain form and impact for both club and country.

Preparing for Copa America

Argentina is gearing up for the Copa America, which starts at the end of the month. They are grouped with Canada, Chile, and Peru, and will kick off their campaign with a friendly against Guatemala on Saturday. This match will serve as a critical tune-up for Fernandez and his teammates as they prepare to defend their Copa America title.

Chelsea fans will be eager to see Fernandez back in action, hoping he can translate his international form to the Premier League. His presence in midfield could provide the stability and creativity Chelsea needs to push for better results next season. Meanwhile, Argentina will rely on his skills and experience to navigate a challenging group stage and aim for another Copa America triumph.

As Fernandez works to regain full fitness, both Chelsea and Argentina have high expectations for his performance. His return not only boosts Argentina’s midfield options but also serves as a significant morale boost for Chelsea as they prepare for the upcoming season. All eyes will be on Fernandez to see how he integrates back into the team and contributes to their success.

Enzo Fernandez’s return to the field is a positive development for both Chelsea and Argentina. After a challenging period sidelined by injury, his comeback alongside Lionel Messi in Argentina’s squad highlights his importance to the team. As the Copa America approaches, Fernandez will be keen to prove his worth and help lead Argentina to victory, while Chelsea supporters will be watching closely, hoping he can bring his international success back to Stamford Bridge.

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