Enzo Fernandez has been dropped from the Chelsea squad for their next two matches following comments about his future that have unsettled the club.
The Argentina international spoke to journalists while on international duty and refused to rule out a potential move to Real Madrid, fuelling speculation he could leave Stamford Bridge after more than three years in west London.
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The controversy follows Chelsea’s recent UEFA Champions League exit, where the Blues suffered a humiliating 8-2 aggregate defeat to French Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Fernández told ESPN Argentina he was uncertain about his future at the club, a stance he reiterated in subsequent interviews with Argentine media.
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed disciplinary action had been taken.
“I spoke with Enzo. As part of the football club, he won’t be available for tomorrow or Manchester City,” Rosenior said.
“It’s disappointing to speak in that way. As a character and person, I have no bad words. But a line was crossed. We had to make a sanction.”
Rosenior added that while he maintains respect for Fernández, the decision was necessary.
“As a character, person and player, I have the utmost respect for Enzo Fernández. He’s frustrated because he wanted Chelsea to be successful this year. We still can be. It was a joint decision.”
Fernández is also believed to be unsettled by the departure of former manager Enzo Maresca and reportedly made indirect criticisms of the current tactical approach.
The 25-year-old midfielder will miss Chelsea’s FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and their upcoming Premier League clash with Manchester City, as the club moves to contain the fallout from his remarks.
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