Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, 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.

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Much of the focus has been on Chelsea's ambitions to qualify for the Champions League, but they may need to start looking over their shoulders at the teams behind them.

Four defeats in five Premier League matches, and just one win in seven, have left Chelsea in sixth place and drifting, even behind an inconsistent Liverpool side, who are four points clear in the final Champions League spot.

In fact, Chelsea are closer to 11th-placed Bournemouth (with the gap just three points) than they are Liverpool.

And the two teams directly beneath the Blues - seventh-placed Brentford and Everton in eighth - are just a point behind them and both in superior form.

Some of the scrutiny for Chelsea's late-season struggles will fall on Liam Rosenior. He set his side up well for the first 45 minutes, surprising Pep Guardiola's team with a counter-attacking approach. However, once Guardiola had time to adjust at the interval, Chelsea were blown away.

Forwards such as Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto and Estevao Willian have failed to provide decisive moments - leaving them goalless and defeated for three games for the first time in over 18 years, while defensively they have not kept a clean sheet in five home matches.

Rosenior has not had the benefit of a pre-season and it remains early in his tenure. However, Enzo Maresca's departure in January, following a falling out with club hierarchy, was unplanned and has proven disruptive.

In recent weeks, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella have spoken about how destabilising the managerial change has been.

Enzo Fernandez also talked publicly about wanting to move to Madrid one day, comments which were poorly received inside the club. He was handed an internal two-match ban and missed Sunday's game.

Away from the pitch, a fringe protest group, Not A Project FC, are planning to demonstrate before the upcoming home match against Manchester United. They are expected to march jointly with supporters from French club Strasbourg, who are also under BlueCo ownership.

It will not be lost on Chelsea that they are without a win in 10 games against the era's standard-setters City. Not since beating City in the 2021 Champions League final have Chelsea tasted success against Guardiola, with only Reece James left in the squad from those days.

That record underlines why Chelsea can no longer be considered title contenders, and reflects a lingering inferiority complex after being overtaken by a richer and more successful rival.

With players and fans increasingly frustrated, and momentum firmly negative, there is a real question over whether Chelsea will qualify for European football at all, not just the Champions League.

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior speaking to Sky Sports after his team's defeat by Manchester City: "Not good enough in the second half. We didn't start well. Had moments to clear the box and keep the ball, but we didn't. They were camped in our half for the first five minutes and then we concede a goal.

"Then it's a similar story for the past month now in terms of dealing with setbacks. If you go down against teams as good as this, what you have to do for the next five minutes is to stay in the game. It ended up being a really, really difficult second half."

On building resilience in the team: "I am accountable. This is a group. It's something we need to improve. It starts with your habits and values. I can't say there was a lack of effort. But there was a lack of confidence in the second half. We have to improve. We are in a difficult place at the moment and we have got another huge game next week.

"We can't forget that we were playing against a team in massive form pushing for the title. But we need to win games like this. That's why I have come to the club. When you make these errors, the feeling and flow of the game changes. We have to make sure we need to do better in those moments if you want to win a game of football.

"It's not an excuse for the second half performance. But if that [Marc Cucurella] goal goes in, we go up in terms of confidence and energy. But we have to be more resilient to setbacks. You can go a goal down but you have to stay in the game - that's what disappointed me the most."

On whether he missed midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was sanctioned by the club: "Any team will miss Enzo. Myself backed by the leadership group and sporting directors made a decision for the long-term of the club.

"There's nothing personal with Enzo. He will be back with the group on Tuesday. He is a top, top player and a really good guy. Really looking forward to having him back."

On whether there are unresolved issues with Fernandez: "The hurdle I spoke about. Enzo wanted to have a conversation with the leadership group - the main players of the group - and speak to the players. The time I had the press conference, he hadn't done that yet.

"He has spoken with me, the leadership group and all of the players and we look forward to welcoming him back."

Did you know?

• Chelsea remain winless in each of their last 10 Premier League meetings with Manchester City (D3 L7), their longest current streak without victory against an opponent in the competition.

• Chelsea have lost back-to-back Premier League home matches (also 0-1 vs Newcastle) for the first time since September 2023 under Mauricio Pochettino – today was their heaviest loss at Stamford Bridge since April 2022 (1-4 vs Brentford).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Chelsea's performance

What did you make of Man City's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Image source, BBC Sport

Chelsea have made two changes from the 7-0 FA Cup win over Port Vale last weekend.

Moises Caicedo returns having been rested against lower league opposition but Romeo Lavia drops out instead of Andrey Santos.

Estevao Willian continues to keep his starting berth as Cucurella returns having also been rested.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Hato, Cucurella, Santos, Caicedo, Estevao, Palmer, Neto, Joao Pedro

Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Tosin, Sarr, Essugo, Lavia, Garnacho, Guiu, Delap

Manchester City make just one change from the 4-0 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup.

They bring back Gianluigi Donarumma for James Trafford in goal.

However, Pep Guardiola keeps the same outfield players, including an exciting front four of Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki, Jeremie Doku and Erling Haaland.

• Man City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O'Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo, Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland

Subs: Trafford, Ake, Ait-Nouri, Kovacic, Reijnders, Nico, Savinho, Foden, Marmoush

Image source, BBC Sport

There are four games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Crystal Palace v Newcastle United - Listen on Sports Extra 2

• Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa - Listen on Sports Extra

• Sunderland v Tottenham - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Chelsea v Manchester City (16:30 BST) - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 14:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Sunderland v Tottenham" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Manchester City".

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

I don't agree with Liam Rosenior's treatment of Enzo Fernandez. All players have dreams of playing for big clubs and, while Chelsea are a big club, if a player says he wants to play for Real Madrid then you don't leave them out of the side.

I always think about these things from a player's point of view and, whether it was the manager's call to drop him or not, Rosenior isn't going to endear himself to Fernandez by doing that.

On top of that, Fernandez is not just a good player, he is one of Chelsea's best.

He scored the last-gasp equaliser when they drew at Manchester City in January, and now Rosenior is leaving him out of a massive game which could improve or lessen his team's hopes of making it into the Champions League.

It just seems like a really bad decision all-round.

This is a huge game for City too. Everyone seems to be getting carried away with them because of their past two results - against Arsenal at Wembley and Liverpool in the FA Cup - but their form before those games was much less impressive.

I really want the Premier League title race to go the distance this season, so I'm still going to back City to win this.

But, if I end up losing the predictions title race, it will be because of this game. I wouldn't be surprised if City drop points here.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

The latest news and views on the Blues in two minutes, every weekday afternoon.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Flora Snelson
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 16:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Enzo Fernandez, who Rosenior handed a two-match ban for comments the midfielder made about his future, has apologised - but the ban stands and Fernandez will miss the City game.

• Rosenior said: "I've not been questioning his character, or who he is as a person. I believe people make mistakes."

• He added: "There are certain values and cultures that I believe in that make the team stronger if you get them right."

• Trevoh Chalobah is back on the pitch, Levi Colwill is in full training and Reece James has been running - but none of them will be available against City.

• After the international break, Rosenior says that "a magician" would have struggled to make the team he wants with the time he's had, noting that it's the first time he's had two clear training days consecutively since taking charge.

• Before Moises Caicedo's 100th appearance, Rosenior said he is "one of the best - if not the best - defensive midfield player in world football".

• He praised Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola: "Pep has influenced everyone in football. He's an unbelievable coach, who's had an unbelievable career - but I want my team to show what they're capable of on Sunday."

• Rosenior said that he watched Chelsea's draw at City at the airport as he prepared to fly to London to consider the Blues' managerial vacancy.

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Chelsea? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea and Liam Rosenior find themselves in a delicate position as the season draws to a close.

There will be several themes feeding into this afternoon's media conference at Cobham at 13:30 BST, most notably the pressure and potential consequences of failing to qualify for the Champions League via a strong Premier League finish.

Making matters more difficult is the visit of Manchester City, title contenders, to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

It forms part of a challenging run of seven fixtures, which also includes matches against Manchester United and Liverpool.

However, with Chelsea sixth in the Premier League, facing those sides above them means qualification remains in their own hands and a top five finish is now good enough to assure a return to Europe's top table.

There is also the issue of Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah's ongoing fitness problems, while Enzo Fernandez is serving a two-match internal suspension, with his agent having publicly called for it to be reduced in time to face City.

In terms of pressure and tension, there is also a protest planned with supporters for next week's home game against United.

All of these topics are likely to be addressed in Rosenior's conference, as he prepares to face one of his coaching idols, Pep Guardiola, for the first time.

Enzo Fernandez and his agent have apologised to Chelsea for comments the 25-year-old midfielder made while on international duty in Argentina about a potential move to Real Madrid. (Sky Sports, external)

RB Leipzig and Castello Lukeba are in agreement that the France defender will leave the club this summer, with Chelsea along with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all assessing the 23-year-old. (Teamtalk, external)

Meanwhile Aston Villa and England midfielder Morgan Rogers looks likely to be at the centre of a transfer tug of war this summer after Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United renewed their interest in the 23-year-old. (Times - subscription required, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

The Premier League's return this weekend brings trepidation for some and excitement for others.

Football's emotional rollercoaster becomes intense at this time of year, unless of course mid-table mediocrity has taken a grip of things in recent months.

So how are you feeling as an Chelsea fan with just a handful of weeks left to go?

The league form reads: DDLWLL

The next three league fixtures are: Man City (h), Man Utd (a) and Brighton (h)

Tell us how you're feeling here

Chelsea have no intention of selling Josh Acheampong in the summer transfer window despite his limited game time for the Blues. (Express, external)

River Plate head coach Eduardo Coudet has personally reached out to Alejandro Garnacho over a one-year loan move. (TyC via Football London, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Enzo Fernandez is understood to remain keen on a move to Real Madrid, despite avoiding explicit references to the club - who want to recruit a midfielder this summer.

Fernandez's agent, former PSG and Argentina midfielder Javier Pastore, described his punishment as "completely unfair" when speaking to the Athletic.

A wide‑ranging interview from Fernandez's camp also claimed he "deserves much more than he is currently earning", while further reports in Argentina have suggested attempts were made this week to have the suspension reduced.

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has also indicated a number of players are set to sign contract renewals before the end of the season. However, Fernandez's agent Pastore has suggested talks regarding his client will be paused until after the World Cup, where Argentina will bid to defend their title.

It appears Fernandez is unlikely to back down unless he secures a new contract on significantly improved terms or is sold.

However, facilitating an exit will be extremely difficult. Chelsea are well protected from a negotiating standpoint, with Fernandez under contract for a further six years until 2032. The club are also expected to hold out for at least the £107m they paid Benfica to sign him in 2023 - a British transfer record at the time.

The situation also highlights how Chelsea's incentive‑based contracts, which include bonuses linked to goals, assists and Champions League qualification, can deliver value for the club but also prove frustrating for high‑profile players tied into lengthy deals.

Demanding such a fee is likely to deter potential suitors. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have been linked but are considered unlikely to move under those conditions, while reports connecting Fernandez with PSG are understood to be wide of the mark.

Rosenior has continued to extract strong performances from Fernandez and has spoken positively about their working relationship.

Ultimately, it is expected that only financial resolution - in one form or another - will bring this situation to a close.

Read more on Fernandez's suspension

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Enzo Fernandez has presented Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior with the first major internal disciplinary issue of his tenure at Stamford Bridge by casting doubt on his Blues future.

Rosenior and Chelsea's hierarchy responded by issuing Fernandez with a two‑match internal suspension for "crossing a line". The ban ruled him out of the FA Cup tie against Port Vale and Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester City.

The decision was made by Rosenior alongside co‑sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, with the backing of influential ownership figures including Behdad Eghbali.

Rosenior has sought to offer Fernandez an olive branch and a route forward following the punishment.

The midfielder has continued to train with the first‑team squad and, at present, there has been no indication he will be stripped of his leadership role.

After the Port Vale game - which Fernandez watched from behind the Chelsea bench - Rosenior said things are "not what people think" between the two of them.

The former Strasbourg, Hull City and Derby County boss has also chosen not to respond publicly to Fernandez's representatives, who have since insisted their client never said he wanted to leave Chelsea or London, nor referenced Real by name.

The scrutiny is unlikely to ease and will add another layer of pressure to Fernandez's performances when he returns against Manchester United next weekend.

It is a blow for Chelsea, who are also without Reece James through injury, leaving Andrey Santos or Romeo Lavia likely to step up against City.

Read more on Fernandez's suspension

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

The Premier League will have at least five teams in the Champions League next season after securing a European Performance Spot for the second straight year.

The extra place was confirmed on Tuesday as Arsenal beat Sporting 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

Uefa awards an additional place to the two leagues with the best overall performance across the three European competitions.

The race for fifth place in the Premier League, currently held by Liverpool on 49 points, is exceptionally tight.

Just seven points separate Arne Slot's side from 13th-placed Bournemouth.

Chelsea (48) sit in sixth followed by Brentford (46), Everton (46), Fulham (44), Brighton (43), Sunderland (43), Newcastle (42) and Bournemouth (42).

If Aston Villa, who are fourth on 54 points, win the Europa League and finish outside the top four, the Premier League would have six teams in the Champions League.

The same logic applies to Liverpool, who face Paris St-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday.

If either win a European trophy and finish fifth, then sixth would qualify for the Champions League via the EPS place.

If both win European trophies and finish fifth and sixth, that would put seventh into the Champions League.

Nottingham Forest are in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. They could emulate Tottenham by winning the competition and finishing in the bottom half of the table.

Just like last season, that would create a sixth team in the Champions League for the Premier League too.

Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez is preparing to submit a transfer request to pave the way for a summer move to Real Madrid. (El Chiringuito, via Goal, external)

Tottenham and Chelsea are both looking at signing Sporting midfielder Maxi Araujo. The 26-year-old can play as a left winger or wing-back and is a regular for Uruguay. (CaughtOffside, external)

Meanwhile, Chelsea are looking to bring former Brighton defender Valentin Barco from their sister club Strasbourg this summer. The 21-year-old only made six Premier League appearances for Albion but has been capped by Argentina. (FourFourTwo, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport