Xabi Alonso reveals details of Enzo Fernandez conversation which led to him being left out of squad to face Luton – as Monaco midfielder emerges as contender to replace Argentine if he leaves club
Xabi Alonso says he chose a Chelsea squad that had the ‘desire to play’ and decided he could not select Enzo Fernandez after speaking privately with the Manchester City target.
Fernandez was missing from the match-day selection for Thursday’s Carabao Cup win over Luton Town. That was despite Alonso insisting the day before that he would use the Argentinian, 25.
Fernandez’s absence immediately sparked speculation that City had opened club-to-club talks surrounding a potential £120million transfer. However, Chelsea sources on Thursday night insisted after defeating Luton that they were still awaiting a formal approach.
Alonso described it as his decision to exclude Fernandez and explained: ‘We need the players that are in the best situation to play. We need to take everything into consideration – players that are in a good moment, players that are not feeling that energy to play.
‘For me, it is very important they feel this desire to play and to have good preparation.’
Alonso spoke with Fernandez after training on Wednesday with the Blues boss adding: ‘We talked and we decided it was better not to be part of the squad. He is a top player.’
Enzo Fernandez was left out of Chelsea’s squad to face Luton in the Carabao Cup
Xabi Alonso said he chose a Chelsea squad that had the ‘desire to play’ and decided he could not select Fernandez, who is a target for Man City
Monaco’s Lamine Camara is under consideration at Chelsea should Fernandez leave
While Chelsea wait for City to submit an offer, they have been working on potential replacements.
The Blues have been interested in Alex Scott all summer. However, Bournemouth have never placed a price tag on their 23-year-old midfielder and have only ever said he is not for sale.
It is understood Monaco’s Lamine Camara, 22, is also under active consideration at Chelsea.
Asked if he would need a replacement if Fernandez is sold, Alonso said: ‘Sorry, but I’m not the one who talks too early. We will see what happens. We want to be ready always.
‘We are quite close to the plan we had. We will see where we finish, if it’s fully executed or there are things still to be done or things we couldn’t do. But overall the balance of what we have is going to be good. We have to see how the last few days develop. The team is coming together.’
Chelsea would have needed to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa by 12pm UK time on Friday in order for the 33-year-old goalkeeper to be eligible to face Brighton this Sunday if fit.
Otherwise, Alonso would need to choose between Robert Sanchez, 28, and Mike Penders, 21.
The arrival of Martinez could see Sanchez sold permanently with it appearing he has lost the trust of Alonso, having leaked two avoidable goals in Chelsea’s 3-2 win at Fulham on Monday.
‘Don’t ask but I know,’ Alonso said on who will face Brighton. ‘I prefer to tell the players first.’
