Enzo Fernandez asked Xabi Alonso not to play for Chelsea against Luton Town on Thursday night, according to Argentine journalist César Luis Merlo.
Fernandez was subsequently left out of Chelsea’s squad entirely for the Carabao Cup second-round tie at Stamford Bridge, despite Alonso saying before the game that he expected the midfielder to be involved.
No reason has yet been given for Fernandez’s request.
The development comes during renewed uncertainty surrounding his Chelsea future, with Manchester City considering whether to make a late move for the Argentina international.
🚨Enzo Fernández NO juega hoy en el Chelsea frente al Luton.
*️⃣El futbolista le pidió a Xabi Alonso no estar presente en el juego, en medio de las negociaciones con Manchester City. Por eso, ni siquiera está en el banco de suplentes. pic.twitter.com/F3K6Cx0hvd
— César Luis Merlo (@CLMerlo) August 27, 2026
Enzo Fernandez absence takes unexpected turn
Fernandez’s omission had already provided the biggest surprise when Chelsea confirmed their starting XI against Luton.
Alonso had explicitly indicated during his pre-match press conference that the 25-year-old would feature.
Speaking in Chelsea’s official team-news update, Alonso said Fernandez had been training well and described him as a good professional before confirming he expected him to be involved.
However, César Luis Merlo now reports that Fernandez personally asked Alonso not to play in Thursday’s cup tie.
Fernandez is absent from both the starting XI and nine-man substitutes’ bench.
The timing will inevitably increase attention on his future.
ReadChelsea reported earlier on Thursday that Manchester City are considering a late £120million move for Fernandez.
City and Chelsea have been in contact over the midfielder, while an offer is expected to become a possibility during the closing days of the transfer window.
There is currently no confirmation that Fernandez’s request not to face Luton is connected to those discussions.
That distinction is important until either the player, Chelsea or another credible source provides an explanation.
For now, what appeared to be a surprising selection decision has become a significant development surrounding one of Chelsea’s most important players.
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