Chelsea Manager, Liam Rosenior has confirmed that midfielder Enzo Fernández will remain sidelined for Sunday’s high-stakes Premier League encounter against Manchester City, despite the player issuing a formal apology for recent controversial remarks. Fernández was hit with a two-match internal suspension last week after an interview surfaced in which the Argentine World Cup winner expressed a desire to live in Madrid and lauded Real Madrid legends comments widely interpreted as an attempt to force a move to the Spanish capital.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Rosenior revealed that while he has held several “really good chats” with the 25-year-old, the club’s disciplinary stance remains unchanged. Fernández has already served the first game of his ban, sitting out last weekend’s 7-0 FA Cup demolition of Port Vale, but the manager insisted that upholding the squad’s values is paramount. “I’m not questioning Enzo’s character, but people make mistakes and you can’t overstep the punishment for the mistake,” Rosenior explained, confirming the suspension would cover the full two games.

The timing of the suspension is particularly difficult for the Blues, as the club currently faces a significant injury crisis. With captain Reece James and fellow defenders Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah still recovering from injuries, Fernández would have been expected to wear the captain’s armband at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

His absence leaves a major void in the center of the park as Chelsea attempts to climb the table during a season that has seen them drop dangerously close to the bottom half

Despite the firm disciplinary action, Rosenior appeared to leave the door open for Fernández’s long-term reintegration. The manager noted that the midfielder has apologized not only to him but to the entire club and the wider playing group. However, the club’s hierarchy is reportedly frustrated that such comments were made while the player is under a massive contract that runs until 2032. The focus for now remains on Sunday’s massive task at hand, with the manager stating that Fernández’s long-term future will be addressed in a “serious meeting” after the game.

For Manchester City, the news provides a boost as they travel to London looking to maintain their title charge under Pep Guardiola. Chelsea, meanwhile, will have to rely on their remaining fit stars and the momentum of their midweek cup win to secure a result against the reigning champions. The world will be watching Stamford Bridge at 16:30 BST on Sunday to see if Rosenior’s commitment to culture over individual talent pays off against the most formidable team in the league.