Enzo Fernandez to miss Chelsea’s next two matches after ‘a line was crossed’

By Robert O’Connor, Press Association

Enzo Fernandez will not play in either of Chelsea’s next two matches after the club sanctioned him for comments made during the international break.

The 25-year-old said on a podcast this week that he would like to live in Madrid, following speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

Following the Blues’ Champions League defeat to Paris St Germain in March, Fernandez said he did not know whether he will be at Chelsea next season.

Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed a decision has been taken by the club to remove him from the team for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and next weekend’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City.

“I spoke with Enzo about an hour ago,” said Rosenior. “As a football club, with me as part of the decision, he won’t be available for tomorrow’s game or Manchester City next Sunday.

“It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way. I’ve got no bad words to say about him but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build.”

Fernandez joined Chelsea for a then-British record £107million in 2023 and was appointed vice-captain the following year.

“Enzo, firstly, as a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect,” said Rosenior. “He’s frustrated because he wants us to be successful.

“In terms of the decision, it’s not all about me, or the sporting directors, the ownership, the players, we are aligned in our decision. The door is not closed on Enzo. It’s a sanction. You have to protect the culture, and in terms of that, a line was crossed.”