Moises Caicedo, Alejandro Garnacho, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer. (Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
Chelsea have endured a difficult few weeks.
With heavy defeats to PSG in the Champions League and losses to Newcastle and Everton in the Premier League, the pressure is piling on head coach Liam Rosenior.
While the manager has faced most of the scrutiny, frustration has also spilled over onto the pitch.
And now, one of the Blues’ star midfielders has now been sanctioned following comments about his future amid reported Real Madrid interest.
Enzo Fernandez Dropped from Chelsea Squad
Enzo Fernandez will miss Chelsea’s upcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and the Premier League clash with Manchester City on 12 April after manager Liam Rosenior said the midfielder “crossed a line” with remarks about his future.
The 25-year-old Argentine, who joined Chelsea for a British-record £107m in January 2023 and has made 161 appearances, had previously told ESPN he was unsure whether he would remain at Stamford Bridge next season.
Rosenior explained the decision, saying: “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. As a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect. He’s frustrated because he wants us to be successful.”
He added: “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.”
Fernandez also commented on the Real Madrid rumours. While insisting there had been “no talks” and that he was focused on Chelsea, he admitted he would “like to live in Spain” and that Madrid reminded him of Buenos Aires.
Rosenior acknowledged the timing was challenging: “A lot of this stems from a difficult 10 days in terms of results we have had – probably the most difficult for me as a player or manager.”
The situation underscores the tension at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea needing both on-field results and squad unity as they navigate a turbulent season.
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