Enzo Fernández will miss Chelsea FC’s next two matches after manager Liam Rosenior said the midfielder “crossed a line” with recent comments about his future.
The decision follows remarks Fernández made after Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League exit last month, where he admitted he was unsure if he would still be at Stamford Bridge next season. The 25-year-old, who joined the club for a then British-record £107 million fee in January 2023, has made over 160 appearances for the Blues.
Rosenior confirmed that Fernández has been dropped for the FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and the Premier League clash with Manchester City on April 12.
“It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way,” the manager said. “I have a lot of respect for him, but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we’re trying to build.”
He added that the decision was not taken alone but agreed upon by the club’s leadership, players, and management, stressing the importance of maintaining discipline and unity within the squad.
“The door is not closed on him. It’s a sanction, and sometimes you have to protect the culture,” Rosenior said.
Fernández had earlier stated there were no ongoing talks with Real Madrid, but later admitted he would like to live in Spain someday, adding that Madrid reminds him of Buenos Aires.
Rosenior suggested the situation stems from a difficult run of results, including Chelsea’s heavy aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. He noted that while the players’ comments may come from a place of ambition, they reflect a need for greater emotional discipline within the team.
Chelsea have struggled for consistency in recent weeks but remain in contention for a top-four finish, sitting sixth in the Premier League table.
