Enzo Fernandez has been suspended for two games by Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior. The midfielder said he does not know if he will be at Chelsea next season after their Champions League exit to PSG, and he has publicly wavered on his future at the club for the first time. The suspension is for matches against Port Vale in the FA Cup and Manchester City. This decision was made because a boundary was crossed regarding the club's culture and what they want to build, and it was a joint decision by the club's leadership. Chelsea lost 3-0 to PSG at home, resulting in an 8-2 aggregate exit from the Champions League.
Fernandez said he would like to live in Madrid, comparing it to Buenos Aires. He has been reported to be of interest to other clubs, such as Real Madrid and PSG. He is under contract with Chelsea until 2032.
I don't know, there are eight games left and the FA Cup. There's the World Cup and then we'll see.
Manager Liam Rosenior stated that Enzo Fernandez is fully committed to Chelsea after clarifying his comments. Rosenior indicated that the door is not closed for Enzo Fernandez to return eventually.
Teammates are irritated with Enzo Fernandez, according to The Telegraph. Teammates are dissatisfied with Enzo Fernandez for scolding players on the field, raging in the dressing room, and giving vague answers about his future at the club. Enzo Fernandez watched Chelsea's FA Cup victory over Port Vale from behind the substitutes' bench.
I don't know and would see after the World Cup.
Enzo Fernandez's agent Javier Pastore described the suspension as completely unfair and said Fernandez apologized to the club. Fernandez has registered 12 goals and six assists across 45 appearances this season. Chelsea's priority is securing a top-four finish in the Premier League to qualify for the Champions League.
Former Chelsea player John Obi Mikel criticized Enzo Fernandez for his comments, calling them disrespectful and questioning leadership at the club. Emmanuel Petit believes Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer are tired of Chelsea's project and considering moves.
I would like to live in Madrid, comparing it to Buenos Aires.
Moises Caicedo refused to rule out a future move to Real Madrid, saying you never know in football. Marc Cucurella suggested he could leave Chelsea for a return to La Liga, possibly Barcelona. Cristian Romero cast doubt over his Tottenham future, similar to Enzo Fernandez.
Liam Rosenior indicated Chelsea may tweak their transfer policy to consider proven players rather than just youth. Chelsea has hired several staff from the Kinetic Academy, including Calum McFarlane, Harry Hudson, Dan Hogan, and Joe Shields. Chelsea sold players like Noni Madueke, Renato Veiga, and Carney Chukwuemeka for profits last summer.
You never know in football.
River Plate is due 5% of any future transfer fee for Enzo Fernandez based on a deal from his sale to Benfica. Enzo Maresca changed his WhatsApp profile picture to a quote about principles and profit, potentially as a cryptic message to Chelsea.
Kylian Mbappé returned from a knee sprain as a substitute against Manchester City on Tuesday after missing five games. Alvaro Arbeloa said he was excited to have Mbappé back at 100 percent, along with fit-again Jude Bellingham. Mbappé and Bellingham will be in Madrid's squad for Sunday's La Liga game against Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The suspension is completely unfair.
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said he has maximum confidence in Kylian Mbappé ahead of the derby against Atletico Madrid. Arbeloa said Mbappé is in great shape based on his performance against Manchester City. Mbappé is Madrid's top goalscorer this season with 38 goals in 34 games across all competitions. Arbeloa said he is happy that the French national team have called up Mbappé for matches against Brazil and Colombia next week.
Alvaro Arbeloa said Bellingham is available and will be in the squad for the Atletico Madrid game, and he looks forward to seeing him play. England coach Thomas Tuchel called up Jude Bellingham for international duty even though he has not played since February 1 due to a hamstring injury. Real Madrid will be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is set to miss several weeks with a thigh injury. Arbeloa said he has faith in replacement goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
I will assess my situation at the end of the season.
Chelsea's night was complicated by injury concerns, with Trelland Chalibur forced off. Borussia Dortmund extended Emre Can's contract by one season until 2027 as he recovers from an ACL injury.
How long Enzo Fernandez's suspension will last beyond the two specified games, and what conditions are required for his return, are not fully clarified by the club. The extent of teammate dissatisfaction with Enzo Fernandez, beyond reports from The Telegraph, is also unclear.
Chelsea failed to manage key moments against PSG and deserved to be eliminated.
Teammate dynamics and injury severity are areas where details are scarce.
The focus must now shift to finishing the season strongly with domestic objectives.
I expressed pride in my three years at Chelsea.