‘It is very important they feel desire to play’ – Alonso speaks on Enzo Fernandez absence from Chelsea cup tie

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso indicated Enzo Fernandez did not have the desire to play in their EFL Cup tie with Luton Town as speculation around a move to Manchester City persists.

Alonso said ahead of Thursday’s 2-0 win over League One Luton that he expected Fernandez to feature, having come off the bench in their Premier League opener, a 3-2 win over Fulham, on Monday.

But Fernandez was not included in the squad and, speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash with Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge, Alonso gave a clear suggestion that Fernandez was not in the right frame of mind to play.

“I said we need the players that are in the best situation to play,” Alonso said in his pre-match press conference.

“We need to take everything into consideration – players that are in a good moment, players that are not feeling that energy to play.

“For me, it is very important they feel this desire to play and to have good preparation.

“We [Alonso and Fernandez] talked and we decided for tonight it was better not to be part of the squad. He is a top player.”

Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is keen to lure Fernandez to the Etihad Stadium as the final piece of City’s midfield revamp.

Chelsea had set a deadline of last Friday for City to sign the Argentina international. However, they are still said to be open to a sale if they get at least £120million and are able to sign a replacement.

Asked if Fernandez would need to replaced were he to make the move City, Alonso replied: “We have been talking about speculation, sorry, but I’m not the one who talks too early. 

“We will see what happens. We want to be ready always.”

Chelsea this week sold striker Liam Delap to Nottingham Forest for £50million, but are set to make Atalanta centre-back Honest Anahor their 11th signing of the summer.

“We are quite close to the plan we had,” Alonso said of his side’s transfer business.

“We will see where we finish, if it’s fully executed or there are things still to be done or things we couldn’t do. But for sure I think overall the balance of what we have is going to be good. We have to see how the last few days develop. But so far the team is coming together. 

“It is a process that will take time. We are in a good position, with a few more days to see.”