Chelsea head coach, Liam Rosenior has confirmed that Enzo Fernandez will again be excluded from the match-day squad for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Manchester City.
Rosenior said Fernandez's exclusion was due to the ongoing disciplinary action over the midfielder’s comments about Madrid.
Speaking on Friday, he disclosed the Argentina international remains subject to a two-match internal ban imposed after comments made during the recent international break.
In a media interview, Fernandez admitted he “really liked” Madrid and said he would consider living in the Spanish capital, comments that quickly fuelled transfer speculation linking him with Real Madrid.
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The punishment began last weekend, when Fernandez was left out of Chelsea’s squad for their emphatic 7–0 FA Cup victory over Port Vale, and will now extend to the visit of the reigning champions.
Chelsea head into the match under pressure, having lost three of their last four league fixtures.
Their recent record against City also offers little encouragement as the Blues have not beaten Pep Guardiola’s side in nearly five years, with their last victory coming in the 2020–21 Champions League final against a City team managed by Pep Guardiola.
Sunday’s meeting at the Etihad Stadium will test Chelsea’s resolve once again, as Rosenior looks to steady his side’s form without one of his key midfielders.