Enzo Fernandez has apologized but will miss the game against Manchester City, Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior says

Chelsea manager Liam ‌Rosenior said on Friday that Enzo Fernandez has apologized to him and the club after missing two matches over comments about his future, but confirmed the midfielder will not play against Manchester City on Sunday.

The 25-year-old Argentine World Cup winner was left out of Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final 7-0 win over League One Port Vale and will sit out Sunday’s Premier League match against second-placed City at Stamford Bridge.

Fernandez, who will wear the captain’s armband in the absence of the injured Reece James, had said he would look at his options after the World Cup and expressed a desire to live in Madrid.

“I had a very good conversation – three or four – with Enzo,” Rosenior told reporters.

«He has apologized to me and to the club, and we will deal with that after a big game on Sunday. It is a serious meeting about something very serious. And everything, every step of the way I have not questioned his character or who he is as a person. I believe people make mistakes. He won’t play on Sunday. But hopefully he will be a big part of the group moving forward after that. There are a few more.» There are obstacles to overcome that I won’t go into. I want every player to really focus on making a big run-up now,” he added.

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Chelsea are sixth in the Premier League with 48 points from 31 games.

“Qualifying for the Champions League is the only thing we can concentrate on now,” said Rosenior.

«There are teams battling relegation, teams mid-table, teams pushing at the top – it doesn’t matter. Every game is so difficult in this competition. It will be a big challenge on Sunday, but one we are looking forward to,» he added.

Rosenior said centre-back Levi Colwill was back in training after suffering a serious knee injury in August, and right-back James is running after a hamstring problem.

«Trevoh Chalobah is working hard; he is back on the field. Colwill is in full training but he still has some hurdles to overcome regarding selection,» he added.

Published on April 10, 2026