Why did Chelsea drop Enzo Fernandez?

Chelsea have dropped Enzo Fernandez’s two-match record after the midfielder publicly expressed doubts about his future at Stamford Bridge, manager Liam Rosenior said on Friday.

The Argentina World Cup winner has been suspended for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and next Sunday’s Premier League match against Manchester City.

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

«I spoke to Enzo an hour ago. As a football club we have decided, with me as part of that process, that he will not be available for tomorrow’s match (against Port Vale) and that he will not be available for Manchester City next Sunday,» Rosenior told reporters.

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

‘DISPOSIBLE’ LEADERSHIP

Rosenior described Fernandez’s public comments as «disappointing» given his leadership role during Chelsea’s current troubles.

The Blues have lost four games in a row, exited the Champions League after an 8-2 aggregate humiliation against Paris Saint-Germain and have fallen to sixth in the Premier League.

«I think it’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way. What I want to say about Enzo is that, in terms of him as a person, I don’t have any bad words to say,» Rosenior added.

“But a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build, so we had to impose a sanction.”

The Telegraph reported that several Chelsea players were unimpressed by Fernandez abusing his teammates on the pitch. «The door is not closed for Enzo, that is very important. It is a sanction,» said Rosenior. “You have to protect this club and culture,” he said. “The line was crossed during the international break.

“What I do know is that when he was on the pitch, even in the defeat to Everton, there was no lack of commitment in his performance.”

Published on April 3, 2026