By Tom Gott
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has admitted he was "hurting the team" as he tried to play through the pain of a hernia.
Fernandez made the decision to undergo surgery last month after weeks of immense criticism towards his performances for Chelsea, who are unbeaten since the Argentina international went under the knife.
Speaking to DSports, Fernandez revealed just how long this injury had been impacting his levels on the pitch.
"I was playing with pain and injections for eight months," Fernandez explained. "I had to make the decision to have surgery, it was the best thing to do. I was harming the team and didn't want to expose myself.
"I'm fine, people can relax. I'm getting better day by day, and I'm eager for the Copa America to arrive. I've already started training on the pitch, the recovery is advanced, and I hope to be training with the national team soon. I'm very excited for this Copa America, it will be the first time I play in it."
Fernandez also took the opportunity to show his support for under-fire manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose use of the midfielder has also raised questions this season.
"When I arrived, it was quite a mess, there were many players," he said. "Mauricio gave order and an identity to the team. The work ethic is different.
"He changed everything, and the truth is it's positive. The team is more serious and hard-working. That's important for the day-to-day, and when the weekend comes, you can see the difference."
Fernandez will not return for Chelsea this season but is hopeful of playing at this summer's Copa America and even wants to be granted permission to represent Argentina at the Olympic Games.
"I have the possibility of going and I would love to go to the Olympic Games," Fernandez admitted. "It's Chelsea's decision and I haven't talked to them about it yet."
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Enzo Fernandez makes honest admission over Chelsea form before surgery decision.
