Chelsea FC midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been sanctioned by the club after comments suggesting a possible move to Real Madrid during the international break.
Manager Liam Rosenior confirmed that Fernandez will be left out of Chelsea’s next two matches as a result of the incident.
The Argentine is set to miss the FA Cup quarter-final clash against Port Vale on Saturday, as well as the Premier League fixture against Manchester City next Sunday.
Rosenior expressed disappointment over the midfielder’s remarks, suggesting they went against the club’s values.
“It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way,” he said.
“I have got no bad words to say about him but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build. As a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect. He’s frustrated because he wants us to be successful.
“In terms of the decision, it’s not all about me, or the sporting directors. The ownership, the players, we are aligned in our decision.
“The door is not closed on Enzo. It’s a sanction. You have to protect the culture, and in terms of that, a line was crossed.”
Despite the disciplinary action against Fernandez, Rosenior clarified that no punishment would be issued to Marc Cucurella, who had also made critical remarks about the club’s recruitment policy and questioned the departure of Enzo Maresca during the same period.
The manager revealed he held a 30-minute discussion with Cucurella and remains confident in the defender’s commitment to the team.
Chelsea have recorded 10 wins in 19 matches since Rosenior took charge in January, alongside seven defeats and two draws.
The club currently sits sixth in the Premier League standings, trailing fourth-placed Aston Villa by six points in the race for a Champions League spot.
