Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has confirmed that Enzo Fernandez will remain sidelined for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Manchester City, despite the midfielder issuing an apology over recent comments about his future.

The Argentina international, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, sparked speculation during the international break after revealing on a podcast his desire to live in the Spanish capital.

The remarks followed earlier comments in which he cast doubt on his long-term future at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Fernandez, 25, is under contract with Chelsea until 2032 but was omitted from last week’s 7-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Port Vale and will again miss out against City.

“He’s apologised to me; he’s apologised to the club,” Rosenior said on Friday.

“It’s a serious meeting about something very serious. I’m not questioning Enzo’s character or who he is as a person. I believe people make mistakes, and you can’t overstep the punishment for the mistake.”

Rosenior confirmed that the club’s internal sanction remains in place despite the apology, stressing that discipline and team values take priority.

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

“There are still a few hurdles that need to be overcome, but I want every player fully focused on a huge run-in.”

Chelsea, currently sixth in the table, face a tough test against second-placed Manchester City, but Rosenior dismissed suggestions that leaving out Fernandez weakens his side. (BusinessDay)

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