By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@PremierLeague.
Chelsea has confirmed that Enzo Fernandez will miss this weekend’s FA Cup tie against Port Vale after “a line was crossed”, with comments he made about his future at the club.
Fernandez is linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
He moved to Stamford Bridge for a club-record fee in the aftermath of the World Cup in 2022 and has been a key figure. In recent weeks he’s refused to commit himself, admitting he would review his future after this summer’s World Cup.
Fernandez told ESPN that he did not know whether he would remain at Stamford Bridge next season.
Liam Rosenior said the midfielder has been dropped for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and the Premier League fixture against Manchester City on 12 April.
“It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way,” Rosenior said.
“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.
“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.”
In the same interview, Fernandez said that there had been “no talks” with Real Madrid and added that he was focused on Chelsea “see after the World Cup”.
However, in a more recent interview, he said he would “like to live in Spain” and that Madrid reminded him of Buenos Aires.
“It’s not ideal,” Rosenior said.
“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.”
Chelsea lost four successive games between 11 and 21 March, including an 8-2 defeat on aggregate in their Champions League last-16 tie with Paris St-Germain.