Xabi Alonso shares why Enzo Fernandez won’t be in Chelsea’s squad for the Luton game, as surprising news comes out.
Xabi Alonso has shared why Enzo Fernandez was left out of Chelsea’s squad for their Carabao Cup game against Luton Town, following some surprising news about the decision.
Fernandez has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester City, which would reunite him with former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca. Maresca has made the £120m-rated midfielder a key target after Rodri left for Barcelona, and City are expected to try and sign him before the transfer deadline next week.
Earlier this week, Alonso confirmed Fernandez would be available for Thursday’s game against Luton. “Yes, we expect that he’s involved,” Alonso said. “He’s trained really well, he’s a good pro and we want to pick the best team possible.”
But when the match came around, Fernandez wasn’t in the lineup, raising questions about his future at Chelsea. Before the game, Argentine journalist César Luis Merlo reported that Fernandez had asked to be left out as talks about his possible move to City were still ongoing. The clubs hadn’t agreed on a transfer yet, and negotiations are still continuing with just days left in the window.
Alonso chose Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers for the game, but Fernandez’s absence dominated the conversation. Speaking to Sky Sports, Alonso said, “We looked at things carefully, both as a team and individually, and decided he wouldn’t be in the squad today.” When asked if he wanted to keep Fernandez, he added, “We want the best team we can have. We know his qualities and have to wait and see how things go.”
Meanwhile, Maresca mentioned that he hopes to add “a captain” before the transfer window closes. “We have some experienced leaders already,” he said, “but we will wait to see if we can add one or two more to Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland, who are currently captains.” He also highlighted that the squad is young but has some experienced players.
Fernandez has served as Maresca’s vice-captain at Chelsea and has worn the captain’s armband when Reece James was out.