Schmidt on Chelsea target Fernandez: 'I don't know if it was his last game for Benfica'

Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt is unsure whether Friday's 3-0 loss to Braga was Enzo Fernandez's last for the club, as he reportedly agreed to join Chelsea.

Fernandez played for Argentina in their triumphant World Cup campaign, which sparked speculation of a transfer during the January transfer window.

The 21-year-old, who joined Benfica from River Plate last year, was rewarded for his efforts by being named Young Player of the Tournament.

Reports on Friday claimed that Fernandez had already agreed to join the Blues, with the ball now in Benfica's court as to whether they would accept an offer.

"I don't know if it was his last game for Benfica," Schmidt told reporters. "He's a great player, he played fantastically, he identified with the club.

"Sometimes things happen and players have to make decisions. We'll see what happens in the coming weeks."

Schmidt opted to start Fernandez with Nicolas Otamendi in Friday's game despite their short break following their World Cup triumph.

"Nico and Enzo were good today," he added. “They were at their normal level. Like I said before the game, they came with pace, they were still playing.

"Others were at the World Cup, didn't play, didn't train much. They need time to get back to their best form. Overall, we weren't good enough . You can't change."