Rosenior Axe Falls on Fernandez After Culture Breach at Chelsea

Liam Rosenior has wielded the axe on Enzo Fernandez, stripping the Chelsea vice-captain of selection for violating what the manager describes as fundamental club principles.

The Argentine midfielder will miss both Saturday's FA Cup tie with Port Vale and next Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester City following remarks made during the international break that have proven the final straw for the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.

Chelsea's campaign has unravelled spectacularly under Rosenior's watch since his January appointment. The Blues now languish in sixth place, having scraped just one victory from their last half-dozen league outings whilst crashing out of both domestic and European cup competitions.

Fernandez's comments have compounded an already fractious atmosphere. When quizzed by ESPN Argentina about his future at the club following Chelsea's Champions League exit to PSG, he offered little reassurance: "I don't know – there are eight games left and the FA Cup. There's the World Cup and then we'll see."

The midfielder subsequently doubled down in a separate interview, expressing his desire for a Madrid adventure: "I'd like to experience, I don't know, live there. I really like Madrid, it reminds me a lot of Buenos Aires."

Rosenior addressed the disciplinary action at his pre-match press conference, revealing the decision carries backing from ownership and the sporting department. "A line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build," he explained. "As a football club, with me as part of the decision, he won't be available for tomorrow's game or Manchester City next Sunday."

The manager stressed this represents a sanction rather than a permanent exile, maintaining respect for Fernandez's character and commitment despite the public remarks. "The door is not closed on Enzo," Rosenior added. "You have to protect the culture and in terms of that, a line was crossed."

Rosenior also addressed fellow defender Marc Cucurella's controversial interview this week, in which he criticised the club's transfer strategy and managerial upheaval whilst suggesting a Barcelona offer would prove "difficult to refuse." However, the left-back has escaped suspension, with Rosenior explaining his disappointment stemmed from Cucurella not raising concerns internally first. "I've been here for less than three months, I'm enjoying it," Rosenior said. "My disappointment in Marc's interview was where it went to – I think he should've spoke to us first about how he was feeling."

Rosenior indicated both players' frustrations stem from genuine desire for the club's improvement rather than malice, though the manager drew a clear distinction between their respective transgressions. Cucurella remains available for selection, whilst Fernandez faces his punishment as Chelsea attempt to arrest their alarming slide.