Fernandez ready for Benfica return: 'Now we can focus on football'

Roger Schmidt is eager to reunite with Enzo Fernandez in training after saying the Benfica midfielder had a 'clean slate' after missing out on Friday's Primeira Liga win.

Fernandez was one of the stars of Argentina's success at the World Cup in Qatar, attracting interest from many top clubs.

Chelsea were thought to be close to signing at one point this week, but the Blues' reported refusal to meet the 21-year-old's release clause, which is believed to be a whopping £106m (£120m). 'euros), provided a stumble block.

Schmidt said Chelsea's approach showed 'disrespect' for his club, suggesting the Premier League side were trying to 'drive the player crazy', and Fernandez was missing from his Benfica squad against Portimonense.

But with Schmidt also adamant Benfica were not looking to sell Fernandez, the World Cup winner looks set to continue his career in Portugal from Saturday.

Speaking after a 1-0 win at Benfica, the coach said: "We have a clean slate today.

"In yesterday's press conference, I made it clear that Enzo was not well last week. That's why he wasn't in the squad.

“But tomorrow I will be very happy to see him back in training. He's our player. I count on him to win matches and titles. We need him to be champions. Now we can focus on football."

Fernandez played in last week's 3-0 loss to Braga - Benfica's first defeat this season - but missed his first home game since the World Cup.

He therefore did not receive the same tribute on Friday as his Benfica and Argentina teammate Nicolas Otamendi.

"[The tribute] was very important for me and my family," Otamendi said, speaking to Benfica TV.

"Enzo could not be there, but he will also have his tribute, because he is also part of what we [Argentina] have achieved as a team.

"It is a tribute in our stadium, with our fans, that I will remember all my life, because I won a very important title in my career and obviously they are part of this title."