Enzo Fernandez is set to serve the second of his two-game suspension by Chelsea this weekend, although Liam Rosenior failed to provide any certainty over whether he will feature next weekend instead.
Fernandez was handed a ban by the club due to his comments hinting at a move away from Stamford Bridge in the future, with him left out of the squad for the FA Cup quarter-final win over Port Vale.
Realistically though, Chelsea were not going to need the Argentine to get past lower league opposition, and reports stated that some players were hoping for Fernandez’s ban to be reversed so he could face Manchester City.
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Liam Rosenior refuses to confirm Enzo Fernandez will feature vs Man United
However, the manager confirmed he would remain unavailable, and told journalist Kieran Gill that he still had some hurdles to cross before he will be announced back amongst the squad.
He said: “There are still things that need to be cleared before I make a clear statement on the situation.”
Chelsea v Port Vale - Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final
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The boss was then asked whether he could still be prevented from taking part against United, to which he replied: “Not in this moment.”
It has certainly been a brave decision for a manager, who has not yet reached his three-month anniversary at the club, to lay the gauntlet down on one of his best players.
However, some of those who have doubts over Rosenior’s control over the players have been silenced.
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Marc Cucurella avoided Enzo Fernandez ban
There were also questions asked when Marc Cucurella avoided a similar punishment, despite also making comments regarding a potential future move to Barcelona.
Some have theorised that this was because Cucurella secretly signed a new contract with the Blues this season, committing to the club.
It will be interesting to hear the reaction inside Stamford Bridge when both make their return to the side, and the Spaniard is likely to start against City on Sunday.
This is despite being under pressure for his place in the side by Jorrel Hato, who opened the scoring last time out against Port Vale.
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