Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez returns for Man Utd clash after club suspension
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is available for Saturday’s Premier League match against Manchester United after serving a two-game club suspension for making inappropriate comments regarding his future.
The Argentine was sanctioned by the west London club after openly courting interest from Real Madrid.
In recent interviews, the 25-year-old cast doubt over his future at Stamford Bridge and expressed a strong desire to live in the Spanish capital.
Blues manager Liam Rosenior stated that a clear boundary had been crossed, resulting in the player being dropped from the first-team squad.
Absence felt during recent fixtures
Consequently, the central midfielder missed Chelsea’s emphatic 7-0 FA Cup victory over Port Vale and last week’s 3-0 top-flight defeat against Manchester City.
Despite the disciplinary action, Rosenior confirmed on Thursday that his returning star has been integrated back into the available squad.
The South American playmaker had been wearing the captain’s armband earlier this season while regular skipper Reece James remained sidelined.
“Enzo has been with the group and has been training very, very well,” said Rosenior.
“So, it’s business as usual in terms of selection for the game.”
Defensive injury updates
Alongside the midfield boost, Rosenior provided updates on several key defensive absentees.
Trevoh Chalobah is nearing a return to action after being sidelined since their Champions League quarter-final elimination by Paris St-Germain.
The centre-back participated in a modified training session on Thursday, though club captain James remains further away from fitness following a month-long absence.
Colwill nears competitive return
Meanwhile, Levi Colwill has resumed first-team training following a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during pre-season.
The highly-rated defender is scheduled to feature for the under-21 side in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Friday as part of his ongoing rehabilitation.
“When you have a long-term injury, to the extent of Levi’s injury, you need a long rehab period,” Rosenior explained.
The manager emphasised the importance of ensuring complete match fitness before reintegrating the young leader into the senior team.
