Enzo Maresca appears to confirm Enzo Fernandez as a vice-captain despite the Argentine being at the centre of a racism storm that threatened to tear apart the Chelsea dressing room

Chelsea look set to make Enzo Fernandez one of their vice-captains, despite him being at the centre of a racism storm that threated to tear apart the Blues’ dressing room.

Fernandez and his Argentina team-mates caused controversy during their Copa America celebrations, when they were filmed singing a derogatory song aimed at a number of France players.

He was called out by Blues team-mate and France international Wesley Fofana who said the video showed ‘uninhibited racism’.

Immediately after joining his team-mate on tour in the United States, the £106.8million signing apologised to his colleagues in person.

He had been in constant contact with players since publicly and privately saying sorry for filming himself and fellow members of the Argentinian national team.

Fernandez was snapped singing a racist chant on Argentina’s bus during their Copa America celebrations

Chelsea boss Enzo Fernandez maintained that the midfielder remains a respected member of the group

Fernandez voluntarily offered to make a contribution to an anti-discrimination charity in recognition of his misjudgement, which impressed his Blues bosses.

The club have also privately pledged to match that donation via their charitable arm, the Chelsea Foundation.

Fernandez, who is still under investigation by FIFA for the chant, was handed the armband for the second half of the Blues’ 2-1 defeat  Real Madrid after Reece James left the action. 

Enzo Maresca claimed after the defeat that the 23-year-old is respected within the squad and implied that the midfielder will be part of his leadership group for the upcoming season. 

‘He’s one of the important players,’ the Blues boss said. ‘To be honest, I think when we changed Reece he gave the ‘bracelet’ to Enzo and this shows how Enzo is respected inside the squad. I think it’s quite clear.’

Last month, ahead of Fernandez’s return to the group, Chelsea skipper James admitted that the incident had the potential to cause problems for the team moving forward. 

The Blues suffered their third loss in five pre-season matches on tour in the United States

Asked if the issue could impact on team spirit at Stamford Bridge, James told ESPN: ‘Of course. There’s always the factor where it doesn’t sit right with people when there could be a problem. 

‘But until the day comes where everyone’s together and in a room together, I don’t know, but I hope things can be resolved smoothly and we can move forward with the season.’