Revealed: Why Xabi Alonso made shock Enzo Fernandez U-turn as Manchester City circle for Chelsea star
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has addressed the sudden exclusion of Enzo Fernandez from the squad, denying that transfer rumors influenced the decision. Alonso maintained that the choice was a tactical assessment made by the coaching staff.
Why it matters
High-profile player omissions often signal significant shifts in team dynamics and transfer market activity in professional football.
Xabi Alonso has broken his silence regarding the sudden exclusion of Enzo Fernandez from the Chelsea squad, sparking fresh speculation over the midfielder's future at Stamford Bridge. Despite earlier indications that the World Cup winner would feature in the Carabao Cup, his total absence has left fans questioning a potential move to Manchester City.
Chelsea secured a 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over League One side Luton Town on Thursday, but the match was overshadowed by Fernandez's glaring absence. Despite featuring as a substitute during Monday's Premier League opener against Fulham, the 25-year-old was entirely excluded from the matchday squad at Stamford Bridge.
The omission marked a rapid reversal from Alonso. Just hours earlier, the Spanish tactician had publicly declared that the Argentine would play a part in the second-round fixture.
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