Chelsea captain dropped for two matches after controversial comments as FA Cup clash looms

Jack Otway
Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:41:03 +0000

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has excluded Enzo Fernandez from the squad for the club's upcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and their Premier League fixture with Manchester City following the midfielder's public remarks about Real Madrid and his uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.

The Argentine, who has captained the team in recent weeks following an injury to Reece James, will sit out both matches as a disciplinary measure after speaking openly about potential interest from the Spanish giants during the recent international break.

Rosenior confirmed he had spoken directly with Fernandez about the situation, making clear the player would be unavailable for Saturday's cup tie and the following weekend's clash against City.

Fernandez sparked the controversy following Chelsea's heavy Champions League last-16 exit to Paris Saint-Germain, when he told ESPN Argentina he was unsure whether he would remain at the club next season.

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"I don't know," the midfielder responded when questioned about his future, adding: "My focus is here now.

"Then the World Cup coming up, so we'll see after that."

His comments escalated during Argentina duty, when he told media personality Marcos Giles that he found Madrid appealing, comparing the Spanish capital favourably to Buenos Aires.

When pressed on whether relocating to Madrid was something he would contemplate, Fernandez replied: "Yes, of course."

Addressing the media, Rosenior explained the reasoning behind the punishment, stating: "It's disappointing to speak in that way.

"What I will say about Enzo is that, in terms of him as a person, I've got no bad words to say."

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However, the Chelsea manager made clear that standards had to be upheld regardless of personal feelings towards the player.

"But a line was crossed in terms of our culture. We had to make a sanction," Rosenior added.

The decision demonstrates the club's willingness to take firm action when players publicly discuss potential moves away from Stamford Bridge.

Despite the disciplinary action, Chelsea do not view Fernandez as an indispensable member of the squad, with the club actively pursuing a new midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 2022 World Cup winner remains contracted to the Blues until 2032, providing the club with significant leverage in any potential negotiations.

Should Real Madrid or any other suitor come calling, Chelsea would demand in excess of £100m before entertaining discussions over one of their most valuable assets.

Chelsea have endured a difficult few weeks.

They've lost their last four matches across all competitions, exiting the Champions League in the process.

Another defeat would pile pressure on Rosenior, who only replaced Enzo Maresca back in January.