Enzo Fernández to miss Chelsea’s FA Cup tie with Port Vale as Rosenior imposes two-match ban
Enzo Fernández will miss Chelsea’s next two matches, starting with today’s FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale, after Liam Rosenior handed the Argentina midfielder a two-game ban in response to a series of recent interviews that have cast doubt over his future.
Fernández, who has spoken out three times since Chelsea’s Champions League exit to Paris Saint‑Germain last month and invited interest from other clubs including Real Madrid, will not be considered for selection this evening or for next week’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City.
Rosenior moved on Friday to impose the sanction. Marc Cucurella, who said during the international break that it would be difficult to turn down Barcelona, has not been punished for his remarks and is available to start on Saturday. Chelsea have scored 13 goals in the competition after wins over Charlton, Hull City and Wrexham, and now face a Port Vale side currently bottom of League One.
Rosenior rotated heavily in earlier rounds and could do so again, with Estevao Willain and Jamie Gittens in contention after hamstring injuries. Reece James remains sidelined with a fresh hamstring problem and Trevoh Chalobah is still working back from an ankle issue.
Levi Colwill returned to first-team training last month following the ACL injury he suffered in August and is hoped to feature before season’s end. Filip Jorgensen is also recovering after minor groin surgery. Liam Delap has started the last two cup ties and could again be preferred to Joao Pedro.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo may be rested, with Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo fit and in need of minutes. Chelsea vs Port Vale kicks off today, 4 April, at 5:15pm. The match will be shown on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Coverage is also listed for TNT Sports 1, with streaming available via the HBO Max app.