Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez has once again been left out of the Chelsea squad(Image: Pedro Porru/MB Media)
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Xabi Alonso has once again left out Enzo Fernandez from the Chelsea squad to take on Brighton this afternoon.
The Blues welcome the Seagulls to Stamford Bridge for their second Premier League game, and as was the case in the win over Luton Town on Thursday night, Fernandez has been omitted from the matchday squad.
Manchester City are interested in signing the Argentina international, who wants to move to the Etihad Stadium, but there has been - at the time of writing - no club-to-club contact regarding the midfielder.
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Speaking after Chelsea's win over Luton, Alonso was asked why he left Fernandez out of the squad and said: "I said we need the players that are in the best situation to play," Alonso said. "We need to take everything into consideration - players that are in a good moment, players that are not feeling that energy to play.
"For me, it is very important they feel this desire to play and to have good preparation."
Elsewhere, Fernandez's Argentine countryman Emiliano Martinez starts in goal for the Blues. Robert Sanchez, who has not been selected in the squad, was strongly criticised for his performance in Monday's win at Fulham and Alonso, along with the club's sporting leadership team, decided to make a move for Martinez.
Emiliano Martinez
Emiliano Martinez has signed for Chelsea(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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The 33-year-old goalkeeper was offered to Chelsea and the Blues then agreed a £7.5million deal with Aston Villa for his services. Martinez was registered before Friday 12pm, meaning he was eligible for selection this afternoon.
It looks as if it could be a 3-4-3 formation from Alonso. In front of Martinez are Wesley Fofana, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill. It looks to be Malo Gusto in midfield alongside Romeo Lavia, with Pedro Neto and Jorrel Hato.
The front three consists of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro. Moises Caicedo has returned to the squad but only makes the bench. Marco Palestra is still out.
Confirmed Chelsea XI: Martinez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Gusto, Lavia, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro