Enzo Fernandez misses Blues’ Premier League return

Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez missed his side’s return to Premier League action against Bournemouth because of illness.

Midfielder Fernandez was the most notable absentee from manager Enzo Maresca’s starting lineup at the Vitality Stadium, joining new signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in being ruled out by illness.

Fernandez, who had started all of Chelsea’s previous three top-flight matches this season, played for 85 minutes of Argentina’s 2-1 defeat in 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying in Colombia on Tuesday.

Under the lights. #CFC | #BOUCHE pic.twitter.com/OmJzQjav7E

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 14, 2024

Chelsea starting lineup: Sancho on bench

Maresca was already without midfielder Romeo Lavia and full-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto because of injuries.

Versatile Portuguese midfielder Renato Veiga and centre-back Axel Disasi came in as the Italian targeted successive league away wins in his first season at the helm.

Jadon Sancho, who joined on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy from Manchester United on transfer deadline day, started on the bench, with Maresca saying the former England attacker could offer Chelsea “a lot”.

“He arrived two weeks ago,” Maresca added to Sky Sports. “He needs a bit of time but he is ready to give us minutes. We will see in the second half.”

🥶🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿#CFC | #BOUCHE pic.twitter.com/Q4WiZJMp3j

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 14, 2024

Bournemouth starting lineup

Bournemouth brought in Mark Travers for Kepa Arrizabalaga because the goalkeeper cannot play against his parent club as part of his season-long loan from Stamford Bridge.

Adam Smith supplanted Julian Araujo in defence, while Turkey forward Enes Unal returned on the bench following an injury.

The Cherries made a promising start in pursuit of enhancing their unbeaten start to the season when Marcus Tavernier struck the crossbar from distance after five minutes.

Andoni Iraola’s team had less than 29% of possession during the opening 24 minutes but had all three of the attempts on target during that period.

Chelsea drew their previous game 1-1 at home to Crystal Palace, while Bournemouth recovered from 2-0 behind to win 3-2 at Everton.