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Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez will miss the club’s next two matches after being sanctioned for comments he made about his future at Stamford Bridge, with head coach Liam Rosenior confirming the decision was taken to protect the club’s culture.
The Argentina international, who joined Chelsea for a British record fee of £107 million from Benfica in January 2023, recently admitted in an interview that he was uncertain whether he would remain at the club beyond the current season.
Those remarks came in the aftermath of Chelsea’s Champions League exit and have been viewed internally as inappropriate at a sensitive stage of the campaign.
Rosenior responded firmly, stating that the 25-year-old had “crossed a line” with his comments.
As a result, Fernandez has been left out of the squad for the FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and the Premier League fixture against Manchester City on April 12.
The Chelsea manager made it clear that the decision was not solely his own, but one supported across the club’s hierarchy, including ownership, sporting directors and the playing group.
The unified stance underlines Chelsea’s effort to reinforce standards within the squad, particularly during a challenging period.
Despite the disciplinary action, Rosenior was careful to emphasise that the situation does not represent a breakdown in the relationship between player and club.
He praised Fernandez’s character and commitment, suggesting the comments were driven more by frustration than any lack of respect.
Fernandez has been a regular presence in Chelsea’s midfield since his arrival, making more than 160 appearances and playing a central role in the team’s structure.
However, the club’s inconsistency this season, combined with their European disappointment, has increased scrutiny on both players and management.
Rosenior acknowledged that frustration exists within the squad but stressed that maintaining unity and professionalism remains essential.
He reiterated that the decision to drop Fernandez was a temporary sanction rather than a long-term exclusion, adding that the “door is not closed” on the midfielder.
Chelsea now face a crucial stretch without one of their most influential players.
The FA Cup tie offers a chance to progress toward silverware, while the meeting with Manchester City represents a significant test in their Premier League campaign.
For Fernandez, the focus will now shift to regaining his place and reaffirming his commitment to the club. For Chelsea, the episode serves as a reminder that collective discipline and alignment remain key as they look to stabilise their season and move forward.