Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been suspended for two matches following comments he made regarding his future at the club. The Argentine, who has been captaining the team in the absence of the injured Reece James, will miss the upcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and the Premier League match against Manchester City next weekend.
In a recent statement, Fernandez mentioned he would “consider his options after the World Cup” and expressed a desire to live in Spain. Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior confirmed the suspension on Friday, emphasizing that Fernandez would not be available for the next two fixtures.
Although Fernandez is contracted with Chelsea until 2032, he has been linked with a potential transfer to Real Madrid. However, he has denied engaging in any discussions with the Spanish club. Rosenior described the midfielder’s public remarks as “disappointing,” particularly given his leadership responsibilities within the squad.
Chelsea are currently facing a difficult period, having suffered four consecutive defeats, including a heavy 8-2 aggregate loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The club has also slipped to sixth place in the Premier League standings. Additionally, reports indicate some players have expressed dissatisfaction with Fernandez’s conduct on the field, including criticism directed at teammates.
Despite the disciplinary measures, Rosenior clarified that the situation remains open. He stated, “The door is not closed on Enzo… it’s a sanction. You have to protect the club and its culture.” While acknowledging that Fernandez crossed a line with his comments, the manager affirmed that the player’s dedication during matches has not been questioned.
