Enzo Fernandez has reassured Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior of his commitment to the club, clarifying earlier remarks that cast doubt on his future at Stamford Bridge.
The Argentina international had suggested he was unsure if he would remain with the Blues next season, following Tuesday’s 3-0 home defeat by Paris St Germain.
Despite signing a contract until 2028 for a then-British record fee of £107million in 2023, Fernandez’s comments to ESPN Argentina had hinted that the current season’s remaining Premier League fixtures and FA Cup run could be his last.
However, Rosenior confirmed he held extensive discussions with Fernandez on Thursday, expressing no concerns about the 25-year-old’s dedication.
“I had a great conversation with Enzo at length this morning at the training ground,” Rosenior stated. “Not just about the comments, but the future and how much we want to win the coming games.
“I would say he made it really clear to me how happy he is here, how much he wants to win for the team, and how passionate he is for this football club. He said also the translation and emotion got misconstrued. He is completely committed to this football club.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea has identified the individual responsible for leaking Rosenior’s team selections ahead of both Champions League encounters against PSG. The Press Association understands the source was not a member of the playing squad and is considered external to the club.
Rosenior commented: “We know (who it was). It’s not come from any place of malicious intent, to me or the team. We have dealt with the situation.”
In injury news, head coach Rosenior confirmed that Trevoh Chalobah’s ankle injury, sustained against PSG, is less severe than initially feared but is expected to sideline the defender for six weeks.
The 26-year-old was stretchered off after a tackle from Achraf Hakimi, with initial images suggesting a badly twisted joint.
Captain Reece James’s hamstring injury, which kept him out of Tuesday’s match, is “not serious” according to Rosenior, though he will miss Saturday’s trip to Everton.
“Reece we will look more after the international break,” Rosenior explained. “It’s not serious but something in his hamstring we will monitor after the international break.”
Filip Jorgensen’s groin injury, however, will necessitate surgery.
Rosenior also offered his full backing to defender Mamadou Sarr, whose error led to an early goal against PSG, effectively ending Chelsea’s last-16 hopes.
“It’s a lot for all of us,” he said. “We are expected to achieve in the now. I am so excited for his career, that is why he is here. You have to go through negative experiences sometimes to improve. He is a massive part of our plans.”
