Xabi Alonso has confirmed that the late decision to omit Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea's squad to face Luton was made jointly by himself and the club.
Blues boss Alonso had initially said at Wednesday's pre-match press conference that he expected Fernandez to be involved in Thursday's Carabao Cup second-round clash at Stamford Bridge.
However, the Argentine midfielder - who appeared as a second-half substitute during Monday night's Premier League opener against Fulham - was not even named on the bench in the end as Chelsea beat Jack Wilshere's League One side 2-0 thanks to a debut goal from Danny Welbeck and a late own goal forced by Estevao.
Manchester City interest
Manchester City are believed to be preparing an offer to sign Fernandez before the summer transfer window closes for business, intending to reunite him with former Blues boss Enzo Maresca at the Etihad Stadium.
The 25-year-old missing the Luton game was the clearest indication yet that he could well be on the move before Tuesday night's (September 1) 11pm BST deadline.
Alonso's explanation
"We assess individually, collectively, what's the best for the team, for tonight, what was better for other players that were playing and we take the decision," Alonso said of Fernandez's high-profile omission.
On reports from Argentina claiming that Fernandez himself had asked not to feature against Luton, Alonso added: "No, it was a decision from myself and from the club."
Asked whether Fernandez's omission was because club-to-club talks between City and Chelsea are now taking place, he said: "No, it's just because of the game today and we had other players that needed minutes and it was that way."
Decision timing
Alonso claimed that he made the decision to drop Fernandez on Wednesday afternoon, after the press conference in which he had stated that he expected him to play some part against Luton.
"It's a decision that I took," he said, failing to confirm whether he had spoken directly to Fernandez.
"He's a good professional. He's training well and I have nothing to say about him. It was just a decision that we had to take, thinking about the game that we're playing tonight and we'll see for Sunday [against Brighton]."
