Line Crossed’: Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez Dropped For Two Matches

Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez will miss Chelsea’s next two matches after he “crossed a line” with comments that cast doubt on his future at Stamford Bridge.

Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez will miss Chelsea’s next two matches after he “crossed a line” with comments that cast doubt on his future at Stamford Bridge. The 25-year-old, linked with Real Madrid, fueled speculation by telling a podcast he would like to live in the Spanish capital. Defender Marc Cucarella also spoke openly about “instability” at the club and questioned its recruitment strategy. Fernandez’s comments, however, were viewed as the most damaging and the strongest indication yet that he may be considering a move.

Following Chelsea’s Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain last month, he said he did not know whether he would still be at the club next season.

Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed Fernandez will not be part of the squad for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and next weekend’s Premier League game against Manchester City.

“I spoke with Enzo about an hour ago,”

Rosenior said on Friday. “As a football club, with me as part of the decision, he will not be available for tomorrow’s game or Manchester City next Sunday.

“It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way. I have got no bad words to say about him, but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build.”

Fernandez joined Chelsea for a then-UK record £107 million in 2023 and was named vice-captain the following year. After a challenging start, he has become one of the club’s most influential figures both on and off the pitch.

“Enzo, firstly, as a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect,” said Rosenior. “He’s frustrated because he wants us to be successful.”

“In terms of the decision, it’s not all about me, or the sporting directors, the ownership, the players, we are aligned in our decision. The door is not closed on Enzo. It’s a sanction. You have to protect the culture and, in terms of that, a line was crossed.”

Liam Rosenior says Real Madrid target Enzo Fernandez will not play in Chelsea’s next two matches because of remarks he made about his future.

Fernandez will miss the FA Cup quarter-finals tie on Saturday against Port Vale and next Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City, live on Sky Sports.

But Rosenior revealed no disciplinary action would be taken against Marc Cucurella after he criticized the club’s recruiting policy and questioned Enzo Maresca’s exit in an interview over the international break.

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,” Rosenior said at his press conference on Friday.

“But a line was crossed in terms of our culture. We had to make a sanction.”

Fernandez has been regularly linked with a summer move to Real and he cast doubt over his Chelsea future after their heavy Champions League last-16 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, telling ESPN Argentina “I don’t know” when asked whether he would still be at the club next season.

“My focus is here now. Then the World Cup is coming up, so we’ll see after that,” he added.

Fernandez went further during his time with Argentina in the international break, telling Marcos Giles, an Argentinian media personality, “I really like Madrid – it’s similar to Buenos Aires”.

Fernandez was then asked on whether he would consider living in Madrid, saying: “Yes, of course.”

Rosenior added on Fernandez: “Firstly, as a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect for Enzo Fernandez for what he’s accomplished in his career.

“He’s frustrated because he wanted Chelsea to be successful this year. He still wants that, and we still can be.”

“In terms of the decision, we are aligned in every decision that we make, so it was a joint decision.

“The door is not closed on Enzo – that’s very important. It’s a sanction. You have to protect this club and culture, and in terms of that, the line was crossed in the international break.”

Merse criticizes decision to drop Fernandez
Paul Merson speaking on Football Special:

“I think Enzo has sat down with him [Rosenior] and told him ‘I want to leave’. I’ve seen Cucurella have a meeting with him. But I think Enzo has gone in and said ‘I want to leave’.

One thing you have to do as a manager is never chop your nose off to spite your face. Let the fans see after that situation. Not you. The fans will let you know if they are dissatisfied with Enzo. But play him on the pitch.

It’s disappointing as a Chelsea fan, and it’s only good news for Man City.”

What is Fernandez’s contract situation? Could Real sign him?
The Chelsea vice-captain has a contract till 2032, and the Blues would only consider an offer of more than £100m for one of their key players.

Fernandez is not considered as untouchable by Chelsea, who are planning to sign a new midfielder this summer.

Asked whether the 25-year-old is happy at Chelsea, Rosenior responded: “I can’t speak for him.

“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.

“In terms of speaking for him and what he wants in his future, that’s not for me to speak about.”

Real Madrid are planning on signing a midfielder this summer, and players such as Fernandez and Manchester City’s Rodri are amid their targets.

It remains to be seen whether they will ever spend more than £100m on Fernandez when cheaper options will be available.

Chelsea signed Fernandez from Benfica for a then-British record £106.8m three years ago.

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