Enzo Fernandez to miss the remainder of the season with injury

Enzo Fernandez will miss the remainder of the Premier League season after undergoing surgery to address a groin injury in time for the Copa America.

According to Argentine outlet Ole, the Chelsea midfielder has been suffering from an inguinal hernia - a problem that affects the groin region between the lower abdomen and the thigh - for over a month.

Fernandez's girlfriend Valentina Cervantes shared a photo of the couple in hospital, after the World Cup winner had undergone surgery.

A Chelsea statement on Thursday night read: 'Enzo Fernandez has today undergone successful surgery on a groin issue and will now begin a period of rehabilitation, sidelining him for the remainder of Chelsea's 2023/24 season.

'The 23-year-old midfielder will work with the club's medical department on his rehabilitation at Cobham.'

Enzo Fernandez will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery

Fernandez's girlfriend Valentina Cervantes shared a photo after he had undergone surgery

The Argentine has been struggling with a groin injury for over a month 

The World Cup winner is expected to be out of action for approximately three weeks, before returning in time for the Copa America, which kicks off on June 20 in the United States. 

Chelsea's medical staff initially sought to address the issue with a non-invasive procedure, but after consulting with Argentina's team doctors it became apparent Fernandez would require surgery.

And with the Blues' season effectively over after they were knocked out of the FA Cup on Saturday, all parties agreed the best course of action for the 23-year-old would be to undergo treatment before the Copa America.

Before opting to go under the knife, Fernandez also consulted a kinesiologist whom he worked with during his days at River Plate and who joined him in London for the procedure.

Fernandez missed the 6-0 win over Everton last week, but started the 1-0 loss in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City on Saturday and the 5-0 thrashing against Arsenal on Tuesday. 

The Argentina international now faces a race against time to be fit for the Copa America 

The Argentina international has scored three Premier League goals and made four assists since joining the Blues from Benfica in January last year for £107million.

The fee for Fernandez was a British record at the time, though the club have since surpassed it in signing fellow midfielder Moises Caicedo from Brighton for £115m. 

Chelsea's league position has not markedly improved in the 15 months since Fernandez arrived in west London, and despite clear flashes of his obvious talent and range of passing, question marks have remained over whether the club got value for money. 

Mauricio Pochettino, however, insisted the best is yet to come from the 23-year-old.

'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. 

Mauricio Pochettino has backed Fernandez to come back stronger next season 

'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.' 

Chelsea have six Premier League games left to play and can still qualify for the Europa League as they trail sixth-placed Manchester United by six points but have a game in hand.

The Blues travel to Villa Park on Saturday evening, before hosting Tottenham and West Ham on May 2 and May 5 respectively.

Trips to Forest and Brighton follow, before Bournemouth visit Stamford Bridge on the final day of the season.