Liam Rosenior Excludes Enzo Fernandez From Manchester City Clash Amid Discipline Dispute

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior confirms Enzo Fernandez is out for Sunday's City game as disciplinary "obstacles" remain following a Madrid transfer quip.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 3:17 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

Sanctions Following International Break Comments

Chelsea’s vice-captain, Enzo Fernandez, has been officially sanctioned by manager Liam Rosenior after "crossing a line" during the recent international break. The friction stems from Fernandez’s public questioning of the club's decision to dismiss former manager Enzo Maresca, combined with a statement suggesting he would "like to live in Madrid." This break in ranks resulted in the midfielder missing Chelsea’s 7-0 victory over Port Vale, and Rosenior has now confirmed that the player will not be considered for the high-stakes encounter with Manchester City this weekend.

Navigating Cultural Obstacles and Apologies

While Fernandez has offered a formal apology to both the manager and the club, Rosenior insists that the resolution of the matter is not yet complete. The manager revealed that he has held multiple discussions with the player and that while their personal relationship remains "in a very good place," institutional values must be upheld. Rosenior noted that "obstacles" still exist and that a "serious meeting" is scheduled for early next week. The manager emphasized that while people make mistakes, certain cultural standards are non-negotiable for the long-term strength of the Chelsea squad.

A Critical Juncture for Chelsea’s Season

The internal disciplinary crisis arrives as Chelsea faces a dip in form during a crucial stretch of the 2025/26 campaign. After winning his first four Premier League matches, Rosenior has overseen just one victory in his last six outings. This period has seen the Blues eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Arsenal and knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain. Currently sitting just one point behind Liverpool in the race for a top-five finish, the absence of a key asset like Fernandez presents a tactical challenge for Rosenior in one of the season's most difficult fixtures.