Xabi Alonso explains why Enzo Fernandez is axed from Chelsea squad for Luton clash | Football

Enzo Fernandez has been left out of the Chelsea squad for tonight’s Carabao Cup clash against Luton Town.

The Argentina international’s future at Stamford Bridge remains in huge doubt with Manchester City expected to launch a bid to sign him before Tuesday’s transfer deadline day.

Chelsea initially set a deadline of last Friday for their Premier League rivals to sign the former Benfica star with City declining to make their move before then.

The Blues are thought to be asking for £120million for the 25-year-old.

Xabi Alonso was quizzed on Fernandez’s absence ahead of kick-off against Luton on Thursday night.

He told Sky Sports: ‘We assessed situations, individual and collective and we have decided he is not in the squad for today’

Asked whether he wants clarity on the situation, he added: ‘Let’s see. We need to be prepared for everything. Today is focusing on the game.’

Manchester City have already spent over £200million their midfield rebuild this summer following the departures of Bernardo Silva and Rodri, bringing in Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi.

But Enzo Maresca is desperate for a reunion with Fernandez in Manchester after their time together during his spell as Chelsea boss.

Fernandez first raised the possibility of a move away from Chelsea in March during the final weeks of Liam Rosenior’s brief reign in charge.

In a string of interviews with foreign media outlets, he talked up a move to Real Madrid but Los Blancos have since insisted they have ‘no intention’ of signing Fernandez, valuing their relationship with Chelsea.

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