Chelsea drop Enzo Fernandez for two matches after comments

LONDON: Enzo Fernandez has been dropped by Chelsea for two matches after making comments about his future at the club.

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior confirmed on Friday that the Argentine midfielder will miss the FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and next weekend’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.

Fernandez, who has been captaining the side in the absence of injured Reece James, recently said he would “look at his options after the World Cup” and expressed interest in living in Spain.

“I spoke with Enzo an hour ago… he won’t be available for tomorrow’s game and he won’t be available for Manchester City next Sunday,” Rosenior said.

The 25-year-old, who is under contract until 2032, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, although he denied holding talks with the Spanish giants.

Rosenior described the midfielder’s public remarks as “disappointing”, especially given his leadership role in the squad.

Chelsea are currently struggling, having lost four straight matches, including a heavy 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and slipping to sixth place in the Premier League standings.

Reports also suggested some Chelsea players were unhappy with Fernandez’s behaviour on the pitch, including criticism of teammates.

Despite the disciplinary action, Rosenior made it clear the situation is not final.

“The door is not closed on Enzo… it’s a sanction. You have to protect the club and its culture,” he said.

He added that while the midfielder crossed a line with his comments, his commitment on the pitch had not been in doubt.