Key Takeaways:
- Chelsea have omitted Enzo Fernandez from the squad for two matches as a response to his public comments about his future
- The midfielder will miss Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and next Sunday’s Premier League fixture at Manchester City
- Chelsea have lost four consecutive games, including an 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League
Fernandez Dropped After Speaking Publicly on Future
Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea’s record signing and stand-in captain, has been excluded from the next two matches after discussing his future ambitions in public. Manager Liam Rosenior confirmed on Friday that Fernandez will be absent for both the FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and the upcoming Premier League encounter with Manchester City.
Enzo Fernandez has been dropped from Chelsea's squad, says manager Liam Rosenior.
It's after the midfielder fueled talks of a move to Real Madrid in the summer. pic.twitter.com/gRbenG08iO
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 3, 2026
The Argentine midfielder, who is contracted at Stamford Bridge until 2032, recently shared his openness to considering options after this year’s World Cup and revealed an aspiration to live in Spain. However, Fernandez denied any ongoing talks with Real Madrid, despite being linked with a possible transfer to the Spanish giants.
Leadership Questioned Amid Team Struggles
Manager Rosenior labelled Fernandez’ comments as “disappointing” in light of his prominent position in the team, especially given Chelsea’s recent difficulties on the pitch. The Blues have suffered four consecutive defeats and crashed out of the Champions League following an 8-2 aggregate loss to Paris Saint-Germain. The club currently sits sixth in the Premier League table.
Rosenior told reporters: “I spoke with Enzo an hour ago. As a football club, with me as part of that process, we’ve made a decision he won’t be available for tomorrow’s game (against Port Vale) and he won’t be available for Manchester City next Sunday.”
He further stated: “I think for Enzo it’s disappointing to speak in that way. What I will say about Enzo is that, in terms of him as a person, I’ve got no bad words to say… But a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build, so we had to make a sanction.”
Dressing Room Reactions and Managerial Standpoint
According to The Telegraph, Fernandez’ criticism of his teammates during matches has not gone down well among the Chelsea squad. Nevertheless, Rosenior stressed that the disciplinary action is not permanent and kept the door open for Fernandez’ return: “The door is not closed on Enzo, that’s very important. It’s a sanction,” he said. “You have to protect this club and culture,” he added. “The line was crossed in the international break.”
Despite the controversy, Rosenior acknowledged Fernandez’ commitment on the field, even referencing the midfielder’s effort in the recent defeat at Everton: “What I do know is that when he’s been on the pitch, even in the loss at Everton, there was no lack of commitment in his performance.”
