Argentina’s preparations for the upcoming FIFA international window have taken an unexpected turn after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández withdrew from the national squad. The World Cup-winning star was initially named in Lionel Scaloni’s 24-man team for a friendly against Angola on 14 November, but within days of the announcement, Fernández declared himself unavailable.
According to Fernández, a knee injury has forced him to opt out of the friendly. Following the advice of Chelsea’s medical team, the midfielder will remain in London for rest and recovery. However, the decision has stirred controversy, as Fernández played nearly the full match in Chelsea’s 3–0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday — showing little sign of discomfort.
Speaking to reporters after that match, Fernández explained:
“I won’t be able to join Argentina this time. I’ve had swelling in the bone of my knee for four months, and recently the pain has worsened. The coaching staff and I agreed that resting now is the best option.”
Despite his explanation, Argentine outlet Mundo Albiceleste reported that Fernández will not travel with the national team to Angola at all, effectively withdrawing from the squad. It remains unclear whether coach Scaloni was consulted beforehand — a detail that could explain the reported tension between player and manager.
Scaloni’s frustration is understandable. Owing to the ongoing Argentine league season, he has been unable to summon several domestic-based players and has had to reshuffle his squad at short notice.
Key Squad Changes for Argentina
| Dropped Player | Club | Replacement Player | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leandro Paredes | Boca Juniors | Joaquín Panichelli | Argentinos Juniors |
| Gonzalo Montiel | River Plate | Gianluca Prestianni | Vélez Sarsfield |
| Lautaro Rivero | River Plate | Máximo Perrone | Las Palmas |
| Marcos Acuña | Sevilla | — | — |
The friendly will take place in Luanda, Angola’s capital, as part of the country’s Independence Day celebrations on 11 November. The date holds deep national significance, marking Angola’s liberation from Portugal in 1975. Local fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of stars such as Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María, adding to the festive atmosphere.
In summary, Enzo Fernández’s withdrawal has sparked heated debate in Argentina. Torn between national duty and club commitments, the 23-year-old midfielder finds himself at the heart of a new controversy — one that raises questions about player loyalty, communication, and the growing tension between clubs and national teams in modern football.