The Argentina international was a regular on international duty earlier this month, but he has not made the matchday squad tonight.

It is now revealed that Fernandez has been down with illness over the past few years and he was not deemed fit for the encounter.

In his absence, Renato Veiga has got a surprise start in the centre of the park while Moises Caicedo has been handed the captain's armband.

The Blues have had a mixed start to the campaign with just four points from three league games and will be eyeing another victory.

The west London giants have been brilliant in an attacking point of view, but they have lacked the consistency on a defensive scale.

The club will need to improve their defensive resolve over the coming months if they want to challenge for a top-four finish.

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