Enzo Maresca has delivered an update on Enzo Fernandez ahead of Chelsea's encounter with Ajax in the Champions League. The 24-year-old midfielder was omitted from the matchday squad at the weekend when the Blues swept aside Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Fernandez withdrew from the Argentina squad during the October international break due to 'inflammation of the knee'. The Chelsea playmaker featured for 78 minutes in a 1-0 triumph over Venezuela before being absent for a 6-0 thrashing of Puerto Rico several days afterwards.

Despite receiving additional rest, Fernandez wasn't deemed fit enough to earn a place on the bench in the East Midlands. Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, Maresca emphasised he'll continue to safeguard the Argentine but he has a chance of returning against Ajax.

The Blues boss said: "Enzo took part in the session yesterday. We have one more session this afternoon and we will decide with him tomorrow. It is not something we have to be worried about. It's to try and protect Enzo.

"It's difficult, especially because most of the injuries we had were one or two days before the game. We are trying to adapt. It's...