Enzo Fernandez has had an uncertain Chelsea future after admitting his interest in a transfer last season and has been linked to Manchester City this summer
Enzo Fernandez has been left out of Chelsea's squad
Enzo Fernandez has been left out of Chelsea's squad(Image: Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Enzo Fernandez has been left out of Chelsea's squad for the Carabao Cup clash against Luton Town. The decision comes as the Argentina international remains linked to a move to Manchester City.
Chelsea's Premier League rivals missed the deadline set by the Blues to land Fernandez, but are said to remain interested in the former Benfica star after the departure of Rodri earlier this summer. A move would see Fernandez link up with former boss Enzo Maresca.
City were linked with making a £100million opening bid for the 25-year-old. That falls short of the £120m valuation previously placed on Fernandez by the west London club, with the World Cup runner-up still having six years left on his contract.
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Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso had said that he expected Fernandez to be involved in the cup clash during his pre-match press conference. "Yes, so we expect that he's involved," he said.
"He has trained, he's training really well, he's a good professional and he will be involved."
Last season, Fernandez was suspended for two matches by Chelsea after he cast doubt over his future at Stamford Bridge. The £106.8m signing was widely linked to Real Madrid, but the La Liga giants ruled themselves out of a move in July.
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez could still leave Chelsea this summer(Image: Pedro Porru/MB Media)
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Fernandez came off the bench in Chelsea's opening match of the season against Fulham. Alonso, however, also admitted that he would have to see how things develop in his preview of the Luton clash.
"We want to have the best team possible," he said. "We know his qualities; he has shown them, and we have to wait. We'll think about tomorrow and see how things develop."
Manchester City are conducting a midfield overhaul, with Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez and Tino Reijnders leaving in addition to Rodri. Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi have arrived at the Etihad in their place thus far.
With Fernandez not included on Thursday evening, Reece James and Valentin Barco appear to have taken the central midfield roles against Luton. Romeo Lavia and Reggie Watson are Alonso's options from the bench after he ruled Moises Caicedo out due to injury.
Chelsea XI vs Luton Town: Penders; Gusto, Acheampong, Lacroix, Chavarria; James, Barco; Estevao, Palmer, Rogers; Welbeck.