'Line was crossed' - Fernandez dropped for next two Chelsea games over Real comments

Liam Rosenior says Enzo Fernandez will not play in Chelsea's next two matches because of comments he made about his future and links with Real Madrid.

Fernandez will miss the FA Cup quarter-final tie on Saturday against Port Vale and next Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester City, live on Sky Sports.

"I spoke with Enzo an hour ago. We've made a decision - he won't be available for tomorrow's game and he won't be available for Manchester City," Rosenior said at his press conference on Friday.

"It's disappointing to speak in that way. What I will say about Enzo is that, in terms of him as a person, I've got no bad words to say.

"But a line was crossed in terms of our culture. We had to make a sanction."

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Fernandez has been regularly linked with a summer move to Real and he cast doubt over his Chelsea future after their heavy Champions League last-16 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, telling ESPN Argentina "I don't know" when asked if he would still be at the club next season.

"My focus is here now. Then the World Cup coming up, so we'll see after that," he added.

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Fernandez went further during his time with Argentina in the international break, telling Marcos Giles, an Argentine media personality, "I really like Madrid - it's similar to Buenos Aires".

Fernandez was then questioned on whether he would consider living in Madrid, saying: "Yes, of course."

Rosenior added on Fernandez: "Firstly, as a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect for Enzo Fernandez for what he's achieved in his career.

"He's frustrated because he wanted Chelsea to be successful this year. He still wants that, and we still can be.

"In terms of the decision, we are aligned in every decision that we make, so it was a joint decision.

"The door is not closed on Enzo - that's very important. It's a sanction. You have to protect this club and culture, and in terms of that, the line was crossed in the international break."

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Asked whether the 25-year-old is happy at Chelsea, Rosenior replied: "I can't speak for him.

"What I do know is that when he's been on the pitch, even in the loss at Everton, there was no lack of commitment in his performance.

"In terms of speaking for him and what he wants in his future, that's not for me to speak about."

Fernandez is not regarded as untouchable by Chelsea, who are planning to sign a new midfielder this summer.

The Chelsea vice-captain has a contract until 2032, and the Blues would only consider an offer of more than £100m for one of their key players.

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