Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been reinstated to the squad and is available for selection for Saturday's Premier League clash against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. This follows the completion of a two-game club suspension imposed after the Argentine international made comments that openly courted interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Controversial Remarks Lead to Club Sanction
The 25-year-old Argentina international was sanctioned by Chelsea after giving interviews where he fuelled speculation about a potential summer departure. Fernandez stated he did not know whether he would remain at Chelsea after the summer and separately remarked, "I would like to live in Spain, I really like Madrid. It's similar to Buenos Aires."
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior responded firmly, asserting that "a line was crossed" with these inappropriate public remarks. Consequently, Fernandez was dropped from the squad, missing the 7-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Port Vale and last week's 3-0 Premier League home defeat to Manchester City.
Rosenior Confirms Return and Training Performance
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Rosenior provided a positive update on Fernandez's situation. "Enzo has been with the group and has been training very, very well. So, it's business as usual in terms of selection for the game," the manager confirmed.
Rosenior elaborated further, noting, "Enzo has come back to the group this week, and the group has been fantastic. In terms of his training, his application to training, Enzo has been fantastic as well." Fernandez, who has occasionally worn the captain's armband in the absence of the injured Reece James, is now fully integrated back into first-team preparations.
Injury Updates on Key Chelsea Defenders
Rosenior also provided detailed injury news regarding several Chelsea defenders. Trevoh Chalobah, who has been absent since the second leg of Chelsea's Champions League quarter-final exit against Paris Saint-Germain, is "very, very close" to a return. The manager explained, "Trevoh trained today but not quite fully; it was a modified training. We'll make a decision on him, but he's very, very close."
Regular captain Reece James, who has not played since a defeat by Newcastle a month ago, remains sidelined and is "a little bit further away" from returning to action according to Rosenior's assessment.
Positive News on Levi Colwill's Recovery
In more encouraging developments for the club, defender Levi Colwill is back in first-team training after suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury during pre-season. Colwill will play for the under-21 side in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Friday as part of his rehabilitation process.
Rosenior expressed hope about Colwill's potential return before the season concludes, stating, "I'm hoping [we'll see Levi before the end of the season] as Levi is an outstanding player and a leader in the dressing room." The manager emphasized caution, adding, "When you have a long-term injury, to the extent of Levi's injury, you need a long rehab period. I want to make sure he is 100 per cent right in terms of his match fitness before we consider him for our first team."
Rosenior clarified that Friday's friendly was not specifically arranged for Colwill's recovery, but noted "it's something that we think is right for him in this moment" as part of his gradual return to competitive football.
