Chelsea's English club management has excluded Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez from the next two team matches after he "crossed a red line" with statements that raised doubts about his future at Stamford Bridge, according to what his coach Liam Rosenior said.
Fernandez (25 years old) fueled speculation when he said in a podcast that he would like to live in the Spanish capital. Spanish defender Marc Cucurella also spoke openly about the "instability" within the club and raised questions about the recruitment strategy.
The Most Damaging
However, Fernandez's remarks were considered the most damaging and the strongest indicator yet that he might consider leaving.
After Chelsea's exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain last month, he said he did not know whether he would stay with the club next season.
Rosenior confirmed that Fernandez will not be in the squad for the FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale on Saturday, nor for the Manchester City league game at the end of next week.
Rosenior said on Friday, "I spoke with Enzo about an hour ago. As a club, and with me as part of the decision, he will not be available for tomorrow's game nor for the Manchester City game next Sunday."
He added, "It's disappointing that Enzo talked this way. A red line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build."