Liam Rosenior has stood firm on his decision to suspend Enzo Fernandez, despite calls from within the Chelsea dressing room to reconsider the punishment ahead of a crucial clash with Manchester City.
The Chelsea midfielder was handed a two-match ban following comments made during the international break, with the club deeming that he had “crossed a line” in relation to his public remarks about his future.
Fernandez’s suspension ruled him out of both the FA Cup tie against Port Vale, which Chelsea won 7-0, and the upcoming Premier League fixture against Manchester City, a key game in Chelsea’s push for Champions League qualification.
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Rosenior stands firm despite player support
According to reports, some Chelsea players had hoped the decision might be reconsidered in time for the Manchester City match.
However, Rosenior has refused to reverse the ban, maintaining a consistent stance on discipline and squad standards.
Fernandez’ agent made his thoughts on the punishment clear, saying, “We don’t understand the punishment because he doesn’t mention any club or say he wants to leave Chelsea.”
“That’s his opinion. I don’t have anything to say on someone else’s opinion,” Rosenior said in response.
“Enzo knows what I think of him and it was brilliant to see him here to support the players today [Chelsea’s FA Cup fixture against Port Vale].
“We’ll move forward and make sure we have a really good run-in in the season.
“I said yesterday, the conversations I have with my individual players, with Enzo, with anyone in the squad when it comes to things like this, stay within.”
Focus shifts to Man City clash
Chelsea now turn their attention to a crucial run of fixtures without one of their key midfielders.
The absence of Fernandez for the Manchester City match is a significant blow, given the importance of the game in the race for a top-four finish.
With the ban set to run its course, the focus will now be on how Chelsea respond on the pitch – and whether the situation has any lasting impact on Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge.
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