Chelsea will be without midfielder Enzo Fernández for their match against Manchester City.
The 25-year-old has been left out of the squad since the international break.
Fernandez’s Madrid Comments Trigger Suspension
Fernández’s omission stems from comments he made about a possible move to Real Madrid. The 2022 World Cup winner hinted he would like to live in Spain, specifically Madrid, during the international break.
This followed his expression of doubts regarding his future at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea’s Champions League exit against PSG.
Despite an apology from Fernández, manager Liam Rosenior confirmed the club would uphold the internal two-match suspension. This decision stands despite the significance of the upcoming home match.
Manager Rosenior Addresses the Situation
Rosenior addressed the situation in a press conference this week. “I’ve had three or four really good conversations with Enzo,” he said. “He’s apologized to me, he’s apologized to the club.”
Rosenior added, “We’ll deal with that after a massive game on Sunday.”
He described the meeting with Fernández as “serious” and about “something very serious”. Rosenior stated, “Every single step along this way, I’m not questioning Enzo’s character, him as a person. I believe people make mistakes. But you can’t overstep the punishment for a mistake.”
Rosenior expressed his hope for Fernández’s future, stating: “What I want for Enzo is to go on from here to have an outstanding career.”
Rosenior Confident in Squad’s Ability
Despite Fernández’s absence, Rosenior voiced his confidence in the squad. He believes they are capable of earning three points in the match.
The club will be without its star midfielder for this vital match.
“It was a serious meeting about something very serious. Every single step along this way, I’m not questioning Enzo’s character, him as a person. I believe people make mistakes. But you can’t overstep the punishment for a mistake.