Fernandez returns after team-mate talks - Rosenior
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior says Enzo Fernandez is available for selection again having overcome his final "hurdle" by talking to the player leadership group.
Fernandez was given an internal two-game ban by Chelsea for his comments over international duty [Getty Images] Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior says Enzo Fernandez is available for selection again after overcoming his final "hurdle" by talking to the player leadership group. The 25-year-old vice-captain served a two-game internal ban, missing the FA Cup win over Port Vale and Sunday's 3-0 home defeat by Manchester City. Fernandez had suggested he was interested in a move to Madrid in three interviews during international duty with Argentina, while being linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Rosenior said: "I'm looking forward to having him back next week. Sometimes you make decisions not based on the short term, but on what you want to see in the long term. "It was a long-term decision made by myself, the directors and the club, alongside the leadership group of players, to make sure our values and our culture are in the right place for the future.
" Asked whether Chelsea could have benefited from having Fernandez available on Sunday, Rosenior replied: "Possibly, possibly. " He then explained the final "hurdle" the midfielder had to overcome, which he cryptically referenced in his pre-match news conference, explaining he needed to speak with the leadership group, including players like Reece James, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill. "The hurdle I spoke about was that Enzo wanted to have a conversation with the leadership group - the main players - and speak to the squad," added Rosenior.
"At the time of the press conference, he hadn't done that yet. He has now spoken with me, the leadership group and all of the players, and we look forward to welcoming him back. " Chelsea are sixth in the Premier League and next face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.