Enzo Fernandez still has ‘hurdles to overcome’ to get back in Chelsea team

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has cast further doubt on Enzo Fernandez’s future by admitting a “few hurdles” need to be overcome to resolve the midfielder’s situation.

The Argentina international will sit out the Blues’ Premier League clash with Manchester City after Rosenior confirmed he will not overturn an internal two-match suspension.

Fernandez was hit with the in-house ban following an interview during the international break in which he appeared to court Real Madrid.

Having missed last weekend’s 7-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Port Vale, the World Cup winner has apologised for his comments but will remain out of contention for Sunday’s match at home to title-chasing City.

While Rosenior expressed hope Fernandez will be a “massive part of the group moving forward”, he revealed there are still issues to clear up.

“I had three or four (conversations) with Enzo,” said Rosenior. “He’s apologised to me, he’s apologised to the club, and we’ll deal with that after a massive game on Sunday.”

Asked about the talks with Fernandez, the manager continued: “It’s a serious meeting about something very serious that Enzo has said.

“Every single step along this way, I’m not questioning Enzo’s character, I’m not questioning who he is as a person.

“I believe people make mistakes and you can’t overstep the punishment for the mistake. We’ve made a sanction, I made a decision, and what I want from Enzo is to go on here and have an outstanding career.

“He won’t play on Sunday but hopefully after that he will be a massive part of the group moving forward.

“There are still are few hurdles that need to be overcome that I won’t go into, but at the same time I want every player really, really focused on a huge run-in.”

Sixth-placed Chelsea are bidding to put their quest for Champions League qualification back on track after taking just five points from the last 18 available.

With five English teams guaranteed to be in European club football’s top competition next season, the Blues begin the weekend a point below fifth-placed Liverpool.

Rosenior dismissed suggestions overlooking Fernandez for the City game was self-sabotage.

“Football is a team sport; it’s not about individuals, it’s not about shooting yourself in the foot,” said Rosenior.

“There are certain values and cultures that I believe in, that this club believes in, that makes the team stronger if you get that right.”

With Pep Guardiola’s City chasing leaders Arsenal in the title race, Rosenior also played down suggestions that willingly leaving out one of his best players damaged the integrity of the competition.

“No (that is not a concern),” he said. “I’ve got an outstanding squad, full of outstanding players.

“It’s still a very difficult team to pick in terms of the starting XI. I need to get that right in the next few days.”

Rosenior said injured defenders Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill are making positive steps in their respective recoveries but will not feature against City. Winger Jamie Gittens also remains sidelined.

Rosenior said as things stand, the unspecified “hurdles” would not prevent Fernandez featuring against Manchester United next weekend.

He also denied reports some members of Chelsea’s squad had asked for the 25-year-old to be selected against City, insisting “it’s not true”.

“There are still things in the air that I won’t speak about now,” added Rosenior.

“I have a very good relationship with Enzo, as all of us do, but there are still things that need to be cleared before I make a clear statement on the situation.”