Enzo Fernandez set for an awkward Chelsea reunion on Monday in the USA after Argentina racism storm
ENZO FERNANDEZ will join Chelsea’s pre-season tour on Monday following the racism storm sparked last week.
Blues defender Wesley Fofana criticised Fernandez after he filmed himself and some Argentina teammates singing a racist chant about the France squad during their Copa America celebrations.
Chelsea have launched an internal investigation into the incident, with Fernandez apologising in public and private.
Boss Enzo Maresca has spoken with the midfielder, who will join their American tour on Monday, but brushed off concerns over a rift within his squad.
He said: “It is quite easy in terms of the player did a statement, apologised and the club did the same.
“I don’t think there is something to add, the situation is already clear.”
Asked if he expected problems reintegrating the club-record signing into the squad, the Italian added: “I don’t think so to be honest, at the end they are all human beings, I don’t think there are any bad intentions from any one of them.
“When Enzo is back I don’t think we will have any problems, the player already clarified the situation and the club did the same. There is nothing to add, he is not a bad person or human being.
“It can happen, I don’t think there are any problems at all. I spoke with Enzo, I spoke with a lot of them.
“The player has made a statement and apologised, it is clear.”
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Fofana hit out at the “uninhibited racism” in the video, which showed Fernandez and his Argentina teammates singing a chant about the African heritage of France’s squad.
Chelsea captain Reece James also revealed that he has spoken to Fernandez, as well as all other teammates with the squad on their tour.
The defender said: “It is a really difficult situation.
“Enzo acknowledged that he had done wrong, quickly put his hand up and apologised to the club, team and people offended.
“He hasn’t arrived yet so I don’t know if there is anything to amend, I’ll have to make that judgement when he comes in.
Chelsea's US tour party
Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Marcus Bettinelli, Eddie Beach, Lucas Bergstrom.
Defenders: Reece James, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia.
Midfielders: Lesley Ugochukwu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Andrey Santos.
Forwards: Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Armando Broja, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu, Angelo.
Rested: Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer.
Reported injured: Petrovic
Left out: Trevoh Chalobah, Alfie Gilchrist, Malang Sarr, Cesare Casadei, Leo Castledine, Deivid Washington, Diego Moreira, Omari Kellyman, Caleb Wiley, Tino Anjorin, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mason Burstow, David Datro Fofana, Bashir Humphreys, Romelu Lukaku, Alex Matos, Gabriel Slonina, Harvey Vale, Dujuan Richards, Kiano Dyer, Billy Gee, Harrison Murray-Campbell, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Zak Sturge, Jimi Tauriainen, Travis Akomeah, Ato Ampah, Somto Boniface, Luke Campbell, Brodi Hughes, Harrison McMahon, Donnell McNeilly, Leo Cardoso, Max Merrick, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Richard Olise, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Frankie Runham, Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny, Zain Silcott-Duberry, Ronnie Stutter, Shaun Wade, Kaiden Wilson.
“But I hope everyone will be on the same page and can move forward from the situation.
“I’ve spoken to Enzo and everyone involved but those conversations have to stay in house.”