Liam Rosenior: Chelsea battling to contain 'bad' virus ahead of Pafos UCL clash

Head coach Liam Rosenior, who recently replaced Enzo Maresca, confirmed that a number of players and members of staff have contracted the virus.

Fernandez's case increases the number of players sidelined by a virus that has impacted both first-team personnel and club staff over the past week. Several players have already been ruled out as a result, making the situation an ongoing concern for the club.

Liam Delap, Estevao and Jamie Gittens have all missed game time after being affected, limiting Rosenior's options at a key moment in the season.

Chelsea have responded by introducing preventative measures at the training ground in an attempt to contain the spread and protect those still available.

"Our club doctors are doing everything they can to contain what looks to be a virus because some members of our staff have come down with it as well.

"We had a meeting today with the players about washing your hands, the basics, which is really important and hopefully we can contain it. We have a busy period, so we need everyone ready to go and fit and healthy."

On Fernandez, he added: "Enzo Fernandez was ill yesterday - he missed training - and there were signs of it during the game against Brentford, which goes to show the type of performance that he put in.

"Fortunately, Estevao has been back in training. Jamie Gittens is back in. Malo Gusto is back involved, which is great, as he's another outstanding player.

"There are a few coughs but the players are working really, really hard. It's not just at this club - many clubs at this time of year, you're going to get that.

"So, it's about making sure the players are right for the game tomorrow Enzo trained today, but none of those lads [who've been ill] are 100 per cent, it's a bad illness.

"We'll made a decision on Enzo tomorrow and what he looks like in terms of starting or from the bench."

The update comes as Rosenior prepares to take charge of Chelsea in the Champions League for the first time. The Blues are due to face Pafos on Wednesday night, with the match set to be played at Stamford Bridge. 

READ MORE: Kaizer Chiefs coach blasts disrespect from outside the club following Arrows win