Alonso insists Enzo Fernandez omission was tactical as Manchester City weigh late move

Xabi Alonso has said Enzo Fernandez was left out of Chelsea’s squad to face Luton in the English League Cup for sporting reasons, as reports suggest Manchester City are considering a late bid for the Argentina midfielder.

Fernandez’s absence has intensified speculation over his future at Stamford Bridge. The 2022 World Cup winner is reported to have made clear before the summer that he wanted to leave Chelsea, and Manchester City are now understood to be examining whether to make an offer before the transfer window closes.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Fernandez was not included in Chelsea’s matchday squad for the trip to Luton. Alonso played down the significance of the decision, describing Fernandez as a “very professional” player who has continued to train well.

The Chelsea manager said his selection was based on managing the number of minutes available to members of his squad, as well as assessing the specific demands of the match against Luton.

“It was simply related to today’s match. We have other players who need minutes,” Alonso said at his post-match news conference after Chelsea’s victory.

Asked when he had decided to leave Fernandez out, Alonso gave a direct answer.

“Wednesday evening. It was a decision I made,” he said.

The former Spain and Real Madrid midfielder also left open the possibility that Fernandez could return to the squad for Chelsea’s next Premier League fixture, when they host Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

“Enzo is a good professional. He is training well, and I have nothing to say about that. Simply, these are decisions we have to make while thinking about the match we played tonight. We will see on Sunday,” Alonso added.

Fernandez’s omission has attracted further attention because of reports in England linking him with Manchester City. Sky Sports says the Premier League champions are considering whether to submit a proposal for the Argentina international before the transfer deadline.

The window is scheduled to close at 23:00 BST on Tuesday. Chelsea are reportedly prepared to listen to an offer, although there has been no confirmation that Manchester City have formally approached the club.

Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 in a British-record transfer at the time and has remained a prominent figure in the midfield. His latest omission, combined with the reports of interest from Manchester City, has therefore prompted renewed questions about whether he will remain at Stamford Bridge beyond the transfer deadline.

For now, Alonso has insisted that the decision was made with the Luton fixture in mind rather than as a statement about Fernandez’s status. The manager’s comments also leave open the prospect of the midfielder being involved against Brighton, provided he is selected for the Premier League match.