Chelsea boss Rosenior drops Enzo Fernandez for two games after “crossed a line” comments on future | OneFootball

Liam Rosenior has confirmed that Enzo Fernandez will be dropped for Chelsea's next two games following comments about his future.

Fernandez discussed leaving Chelsea while with Argentina during the recent international break. The Argentine opened up on a desire to live in Spain,amid rumoured interest from Real Madrid.

Rosenior has confirmed that a decision has been made to drop Fernandez for the club's upcoming games. Chelsea face Port Vale in theFA Cup quarter-finals tomorrow before taking on Manchester City in the Premier League.

The Chelsea boss said that Fernandez 'crossed a line' with his comments but insisted the door is not closed on a return to the side.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Rosenior said: "Enzo, firstly, as a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect for what he has achieved and what he is as a player. He's frustrated because he wants us to be successful.

"In terms of the decision, it's not all about me, or the sporting directors, the ownership, the players, we are aligned in every decision that we make. It was a joint decision.

"The door is not closed on Enzo. It's a sanction. You have to protect the culture, and in terms of that, a line was crossed in the international break.

"Even at Everton when we lost the game, there was no lack of commitment in [Fernandez's] performance.

"In terms of speaking for him, what he wants and his future, it's not for me to speak about. I want to focus on a massive tomorrow where we can make an FA Cup semi-final."

Rosenior said there was no rift in the Chelsea dressing room amid reports that several squad members had been unhappy with Fernandez's leadership and comments.

"There are certain conversations that need to stay behind closed doors. What there isn't, and I want to make this very clear, there is no rift in the dressing room. There is not a group of players not speaking to another group of players. We are together - me including.

"Every club go through difficult moments. We've had a very difficult 10 days. Now is the time to come together and perform."