Despite losing 1-0, Chelsea put in a pretty good performance against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals over the weekend.
Mauricio Pochettino‘s men had plenty of chances to score, particularly Nicolas Jackson.
If his finishing was better on the day, Chelsea probably would have booked their ticket to the final to play City’s rivals Manchester United.
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jermaine Jenas could not believe one opportunity Jackson wasted.
However, the Senegal international was not the only Chelsea player who was not at his best at Wembley.
READ MORE: Who is Nicolas Jackson? Profile, Transfer, Wage, Family and More
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea midfielder had fewer touches than Djordje Petrovic
Going up against a Pep Guardiola side, Chelsea were never going to dominate possession.
Still, Pochettino probably would have liked to have seen a bit more from one of his midfielders.
According to Evening Standard journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Enzo Fernandez actually registered fewer touches than goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
The 23-year-old also had a pass success rate of just 73.3%.
Of course, Fernandez does not seem to be 100% fit right now, with it even being claimed that he has been playing through pain this season, possibly explaining why he was not at his best on Saturday.
Enzo Fernandez hernia
As per Goal, Fernandez is dealing with a hernia problem and may need surgery at the end of the season to address it.
Chelsea still have the chance to finish in the top six this term, with the Blues just three points behind Newcastle United in sixth.
Considering that, then, they will want to have Fernandez — one of the club’s most expensive ever signings — for what is left of the campaign.
The Argentina international has been one of Pochettino’s most important players this season, making 39 appearances in all competitions, so his manager will not want to be without him for this crucial stage of the campaign. Therefore, surgery, if really required, will probably not happen until the summer.
