Chelsea receive huge blow to European qualification hopes as £106m midfielder Enzo Fernandez OUT for rest of season

CHELSEA have been dealt a huge blow with Enzo Fernandez ruled out for the rest of the season.

The midfielder now faces a race against time to be fit in time for the Copa America this summer.

ReutersEnzo Fernandez has been ruled out for the rest of the season[/caption]

Fernandez has been suffering with an inguinal hernia for over a month, according to Argentine outlet Ole.

The issue has affected his groin region between the lower abdomen and the thigh and requires surgery.

Chelsea had hoped to treat the injury without Fernandez undergoing an operation, with the 23-year-old also speaking to a kinesiologist whom he worked with during his days at River Plate.

But following a consultation with the Argentina medical team it was decided that surgery was the best course of action.

Fernandez has now gone under the knife with Chesea’s season more or less over after they were knocked out of the FA Cup.

He will likely spend three weeks sidelined as he recovers from the procedure.

The World Cup winner will now focus on healing and getting back fit in time for the Copa America opener, which takes place on June 21.

The youngster is a key player for his country despite coming under fire at Chelsea this season.

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But despite his poor form, manager Mauricio Pochettino has kept the faith and promised there is more to come.

He said: “For sure he is going to be much better next season, after the experience of the whole season in this squad and this team,’ he said.

“He’s more experienced, he gets better feelings. The whole season is good for him to learn.

“Even if he is a world champion, he needs to adapt to the Premier League and to this club. For me, there is no doubt that he is going to be much better.”