Xabi Alonso Expects Enzo Fernandez to Play Against Luton
Xabi Alonso expects Enzo Fernandez to be in his squad for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie against Luton on Thursday night, despite Manchester City circling with growing intent.
The midfielder’s future hangs over Stamford Bridge as the transfer window ticks towards its September 1 deadline, with City widely expected to test Chelsea’s resolve with a formal bid. The noise has not gone unnoticed in west London – or in the stands.
On Monday at Craven Cottage, Fernandez came off the bench in Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Fulham and walked into a split verdict from his own supporters. Boos from some corners, applause from others. A fanbase torn between frustration at a wantaway star and recognition of his quality.
Fernandez has been open about his desire to leave, yet there has been no downing of tools. He continues to train with the first team, and Alonso made it clear he sees no reason to leave him out against Luton.
“Yes, so we expect that he's involved,” Alonso said when asked if the Argentina international would feature. “He has trained, he's training really well, he's a good professional and he will be involved.”
City’s interest has not cooled. Their pursuit is being driven by head coach Enzo Maresca, who knows Fernandez well from their time together at Chelsea and believes he can drop straight into his midfield.
Asked bluntly if he wants to keep Fernandez, Alonso did not hide his admiration but refused to make promises he cannot control.
“We want to have the best team possible. We know his qualities. He has shown it and we have to wait, but we will think about tomorrow and let's see how things develop,” he said.
The obvious follow-up came next: would Chelsea only sanction a sale if a replacement is lined up? Alonso swerved any hard-and-fast rule.
“It is always about understanding the context, the situation, timings, circumstances, so there is not a defined rule for everything,” the Spaniard explained. “You need to know how things have worked, what you want, what you want for the future, so I don't have the rules in stone. We need to assess each situation.”
For now, that situation is simple. Luton at Stamford Bridge, Carabao Cup second round, and a midfielder who may be playing his final games for Chelsea – or proving why the club should fight to keep him.
