Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior confirmed that midfielder Enzo Fernandez will miss Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester City due to a club-imposed two-game ban. Fernandez apologized for comments suggesting he wanted to live in Madrid, but the suspension stands. Rosenior emphasized his squad depth ahead of the match at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea host Manchester City on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. UK time, with Fernandez serving the second game of his ban. The Argentina international sparked speculation of a summer move to Real Madrid after remarks made during the international break. Rosenior said he has held serious discussions with Fernandez, who apologized to him and the club, but the punishment remains in place to uphold team values and culture. 'I’m not questioning his character... but you can’t overstep the punishment for the mistake,' Rosenior stated. Andrey Santos is likely to partner Moises Caicedo in midfield, while Willian Estevao gained match fitness with 90 minutes against Port Vale. Trevoh Chalobah is back training, Levi Colwill is in full training, and Reece James has resumed running. City remain without Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, with John Stones a doubt, though Mateo Kovacic is fit. Pep Guardiola stressed the need for maximum points in their title race with Arsenal, noting inconsistency has cost them. Chelsea sit sixth in the Premier League, one point behind Liverpool, with a top-five finish securing Champions League football. They are winless in their last nine league games against City. Rosenior, who joined in January amid a hectic schedule, called the weekend fixture a 'big challenge' but one his side is ready for.
