Enzo Fernandez makes Chelsea debut as he also makes Champions League squad

Enzo Fernandez is in Chelsea’s starting lineup for their Premier League clash against Fulham on Friday night. 

Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica on deadline day for a British transfer record fee of £107m, but only arrived in London on Wednesday, February 1st. 

However, 48 hours after his arrival, Fernandez has been included in Chelsea’s team against Fulham on Friday night. 

Chelsea manager Graham Potter named the Argentine World Cup winner in his starting eleven. Fernandez alongside Mason Mount and Connor Gallagher in the middle of the park for Chelsea. 

He is not the only new signing who was handed a start. Mykhailo Mudryk, another big-money signing in January, was also handed his first start by Potter, having made his debut two weeks ago against Liverpool. 

Mudryk and Fernandez have also been included in Chelsea’s Champions League squad, with Joao Felix, another high-profile arrival, also included. 

However, there was no space for other January arrivals like Noni Madueke, Benoît Badiashile and David Datro Fofana. 

Former Barcelona and Arsenal striker Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang was also left out of the 25-man squad. 

The ex-Gabon international was also left out of the squad against Fulham on Friday, leading to reports his time at the club may be coming to an end. 

Aubameyang joined Chelsea from Barcelona in September, but he has had a disappointing season so far. 

The 33-year-old has scored just three goals in 17 games for Chelsea this season. Aubameyang’s contract at Chelsea expires in 2024.