Xabi Alonso addressed the rationale behind Enzo Fernandez’s absence from Chelsea’s squad for their Carabao Cup second-round match against Luton Town, following a previous day’s suggestion that the midfielder would participate. Despite the 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge advancing the club to a third-round tie with Leeds, Fernandez’s exclusion remained a focal point amid ongoing interest from Manchester City.
“We assess individually, collectively, what’s the best for the team for tonight, what was better for other players that they were playing, and we take the decision,” Alonso explained. It’s just because of the game today, and we had other players that needed minutes.
When pressed on claims Fernandez had refused to play, Alonso firmly stated: “No, no, no. It was a decision from myself and from the club.”
Regarding Fernandez’s status at the club, Alonso emphasized no personal issues: “He’s a good professional, he’s training well, and I have nothing negative to say about him. So it was just decisions that we have to take, thinking about the game that we were playing tonight, and we will see for Sunday,”
Manchester City Transfer Prospects
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Fernandez’s potential transfer to Manchester City remains active, with the Argentine midfielder valued at roughly £120 million by Chelsea. City’s midfield investments, including Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi, total approximately £200 million this summer, positioning them to meet the valuation. The move could accelerate following the sale of Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah for £51 million and Rodri’s £65.4 million transfer to Barcelona, which aided in balancing the club’s finances.
Transfer developments continue to shape Fernandez’s trajectory, with Sunday’s Premier League clash against Brighton potentially clarifying his future.
