Enzo Fernandez dropped by Chelsea after Rosenior accuses midfielder of ‘crossing a line’

Enzo Fernandez will miss Chelsea’s next two fixtures after the club took disciplinary action over comments made during the international break.

The midfielder had spoken about a desire to live in Madrid amid ongoing speculation linking him with Real Madrid. He also recently cast doubt on his long-term future following Chelsea’s Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain.

Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed the decision, with Fernandez set to be unavailable for the FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and the upcoming Premier League clash with Manchester City.

“I spoke with Enzo about an hour ago,” Rosenior said. “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, who joined Chelsea for a then-British record fee in 2023 and was later named vice-captain, remains part of the club’s plans despite the sanction.

“Enzo, firstly, as a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect,” Rosenior added.

“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.”