Chelsea Sanction Enzo Fernandez Over Real Madrid Comments, Set to Miss Two Key Matches
Chelsea FC midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been handed a short-term sanction by the club after making remarks during the international break that were interpreted as expressing interest in a potential move to Real Madrid.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior confirmed that the Argentine will be left out of the squad for the club’s next two fixtures as a consequence of his comments. Fernandez is set to miss the FA Cup quarter-final clash against Port Vale, as well as the upcoming Premier League encounter with Manchester City.
Speaking on the situation, Rosenior expressed disappointment over the midfielder’s public statements, suggesting they fell short of the standards expected within the team’s environment.
According to him, while Fernandez remains a respected figure within the squad, his comments crossed a line in terms of the club’s internal culture and long-term vision. He stressed that the decision to sanction the player was collectively agreed upon by the coaching staff, club ownership, and the playing group.
Rosenior added that the move is not meant to permanently sideline Fernandez, but rather to reinforce discipline and unity within the squad. He maintained that the door remains open for the midfielder to return, describing the action as corrective rather than punitive.
No Punishment for Cucurella
In contrast, teammate Marc Cucurella will not face any disciplinary action despite publicly criticising the club’s recruitment strategy and questioning the departure of former manager Enzo Maresca during the same international break.
Rosenior revealed he held a private discussion with the Spanish defender and is satisfied with his level of commitment to the club. He emphasized that Cucurella remains fully focused on Chelsea’s objectives moving forward.
Chelsea’s Current Form
Since Rosenior took charge in January, Chelsea have shown mixed form, recording 10 wins, seven defeats, and two draws in 19 matches across all competitions.
The team currently sits sixth in the Premier League table, trailing Aston Villa by six points in the race for a top-four finish and qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
