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Enzo Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez will remain unavailable for the upcoming home match against Manchester City despite apologising for recent comments about Madrid, head coach Liam Rosenior says. Fernandez was handed a two-match internal ban by the club last week after he gave an interview during the international break in which he expressed his admiration for the city of Madrid. The Argentine has repeatedly been linked with a move to La Liga club Real Madrid. His agent, Javier Pastore, said this week that "we cleared the air" with Chelsea after Fernandez missed last Saturday's 7-0 FA Cup victory against Port Vale, and had hoped that the ban would be reduced to one match. However, Rosenior says Fernandez will miss Sunday's Premier League fixture against Manchester City as Chelsea have decided to stick to their original punishment, despite the Argentine apologising for his comments. "I had three or four [conversations] with Enzo, " said Rosenior. "He's apologised to me, he's apologised to the club, and we'll deal with that after a massive game on Sunday. How will Fernandez issue be resolved? Dropping Fernandez - a sign of Rosenior's authority or a big risk? "It was a serious meeting about something very serious. I'm not questioning Enzo's character or who he is as a person. We've made a sanction, we made a decision – I made a decision – and what I want for Enzo is for him to come here and have an outstanding career. " Chelsea are sixth in the Premier League, one point behind Liverpool, who occupy the fifth and final Champions League qualification position. Rosenior insisted he was not "shooting myself in the foot" by suspending Rosenior and said there were "hurdles" to overcome in order for the midfielder to return to action. "He won't play on Sunday, but hopefully after that he'll be a massive part of the group moving forward, " Rosenior added. "There are still a few hurdles to be overcome that I won't go into, but at the same time I want every player really focused on a huge run. " The former Strasbourg manager says that Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill all remain unavailable for the game at Stamford Bridge. Latest Chelsea news, analysis and fan views Ask about Chelsea - what do you want to know? The Masters round two: Rose & Hatton on charge, co-leader Mc Ilroy soon to tee off I'm not better than Frank or Tudor - Spurs boss De Zerbi Bronny James sets up father Le Bron in Lakers win The final five candidates face their toughest interviews yet Paul Sinha on abandoning medicine for TV fame Preview the new drama from the creator of Baby Reindeer From Rocky to Jawbone: Why does cinema love boxing? Grand National pinstickers' guide to runners Sutton's predictions v boxing promoter & Arsenal fan Frank Warren Six big questions for Fury's fifth return from retirement The Wayne Rooney Show. Audio The Wayne Rooney Show Weekly sports quiz: How much does a javelin cost? What do you think is the most beautiful F1 car of all time? Sustainability v safety - Paris Marathon's water dilemma Maguire on his major lows and belief he is still one of world's best Seve's dance to Tiger's triumph - the art of a great golf photo Why La Liga teams will play in retro shirts this weekend Raya? Neuer? Maignan? Who are world's best goalkeepers? Can you name every F1 constructors' champion? Why Liverpool ticket price protests matter to rival fans I felt really alone after World Cup win - Kildunne Why Honda engine is not the only issue with Aston Martin - F1 Q&A Ranking football's greatest one-club men Is the Championship heading for financial 'catastrophe'? Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.