Enzo Fernandez uncertain on Chelsea future after ban

Enzo Fernandez has said he does not know if he will be at Chelsea next season, according to www.goal.com. The midfielder told the outlet: 'I don't know, there are eight games left and the FA Cup. There's the World Cup and then we'll see.' His comments have led to a two-game ban imposed by Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, who confirmed that Fernandez crossed a line regarding the club's culture. The suspension will see Fernandez miss the FA Cup match against Port Vale and the Premier League match against Manchester City. Rosenior said the decision was unanimous among the coaching staff and leadership. According to Daily Express - Sport, Fernandez's agent Javier Pastore described the ban as 'completely unfair.' Former Chelsea player John Obi Mikel criticized Fernandez, telling Daily Mail - Sport that his comments were disrespectful. The Telegraph reported that Fernandez's teammates were dissatisfied with his behavior, including shouting at teammates on the pitch, ranting in the dressing room, and giving evasive answers about his future.

According to Daily Mail - Sport, Fernandez said he would like to live in Madrid, fueling speculation about a move to Real Madrid. He joined Chelsea for £107m (or £108m, according to multiple reports) in 2023 and is under contract until 2032 or 2033. River Plate are due 5% of any future transfer fee, according to reports from Argentina. Fernandez has been linked with interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, according to other sources.

Other Chelsea players have also hinted at potential moves. According to Daily Mail - Sport, Moises Caicedo said 'you never know in football' when asked about playing for Real Madrid. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Marc Cucurella said he 'always' thinks about returning to La Liga and would find it difficult to refuse Barcelona. Chelsea are considering tweaking their transfer policy to sign proven players rather than just young talents, according to Liam Rosenior. Similarly, according to Daily Mirror - Football, Tottenham defender Cristian Romero cast doubt on his future at Tottenham.

Fernandez has 12 goals and six assists across 45 appearances this season, with 12 goals in all competitions. Chelsea lost 3-0 at home to Paris Saint-Germain, resulting in an 8-2 aggregate exit from the Champions League. Trelland Chalibur was forced off with an injury during that match, according to research.

At Real Madrid, coach Alvaro Arbeloa said he has 'maximum confidence' in Kylian Mbappe ahead of the derby against Atletico Madrid. Mbappe returned from a knee sprain as a substitute against Manchester City after missing five games, according to research. Jude Bellingham is fit again and available for the squad. Mbappe is Madrid's top goalscorer this season with 38 goals in 34 games across all competitions. Thibaut Courtois is set to miss several weeks with a thigh injury, according to research.

Rosenior initially said Fernandez is 'fully committed' to Chelsea, but later imposed a two-game ban for comments that undermined the club's culture. This contradiction suggests a shift in the manager's stance, possibly due to new information or internal pressure. Rosenior also said he had not seen Fernandez's comments and focused on the next match against Everton. In other news, Borussia Dortmund extended Emre Can's contract by one season until 2027 after he suffered an ACL injury, according to research.