Enzo Fernandez will serve the second of his two-game ban enforced by Liam Rosenior and Chelsea on Sunday, when the Blues play host to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
With fifth place now confirmed as a Champions League spot, the race to finish in the top five is on for Liam Rosenior’s men. The Blues currently sit a point behind Liverpool in sixth, with a daunting fixture list.
Chelsea have seven Premier League games to play, with the Blues needing wins to get back into the top five. But the first of those seven comes against arguably the best side in the Premier League, right now.
Who should be Chelsea’s captain and vice-captain next season?
It's Reece James and Enzo Fernandez for now…
Cole Palmer quotes on being captain.
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Reece James will remain on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, and Fernandez is serving the second of his two-game ban. Cole Palmer was captain against Port Vale, but who captains Chelsea on Sunday?
Moises Caicedo set to wear the armband against Man City
According to The Guardian, Moises Caicedo will lead Chelsea into battle on Sunday. A pivotal clash that Chelsea desperately need to get something out of in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
The report claims that Chelsea don’t have an officially appointed vice captain. Had Fernandez been in the side to face City, there is every chance that Caicedo or another player might have worn the armband.
Chelsea have decided to keep Fernandez as part of the leadership group. But the willingness to hand the World Cup winner the armband in the future, with James often injured, might not be as high as it was.
Should Liam Rosenior appoint a Chelsea vice-captain?
It would certainly clear up some ambiguity. Many have questioned why Marc Cucurella has not been given the same punishment as Fernandez, having openly admitted he would consider joining Barcelona.
But Fernandez is a player many look up to, one who does wear the armband regularly. Rosenior would be wise to appoint a vice captain, and if he were to do so, the chances are it wouldn’t be Fernandez.
DEBATE: Enzo Fernandez shouldn’t be suspended for the Manchester City game
He's one of our best players!
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Palmer enjoyed captaining Chelsea against Vale, almost embodying Roy Keane in the tunnel before the 7-0 win. Rosenior spoke highly of Palmer’s ability to lead on the pitch, through his footballing bravery.
Other contenders include Caicedo, a stalwart in Chelsea’s midfield, and injured centre-back duo Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill. For Sunday at least, it will be Caicedo who takes his teammates into battle.
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