Xabi Alonso has revealed that leaving Enzo Fernandez out of Chelsea’s matchday squad against Luton was entirely his decision, despite previously suggesting the Argentine midfielder would feature.
Fernandez was surprisingly absent as Chelsea secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Luton, raising immediate questions about why the midfielder had been left out.
The decision came just one day after Alonso indicated that Fernandez was expected to play.
However, after the match, the Chelsea boss moved quickly to explain that the omission was purely tactical and had nothing to do with a disciplinary issue or a problem with the midfielder’s attitude.
Alonso described Fernandez as a “good professional” and insisted the midfielder has continued to train well.
Alonso explains Fernandez decisionChelsea had enough quality to overcome Luton without Fernandez, but the midfielder’s unexpected absence inevitably became one of the biggest talking points after the final whistle.
Asked why Fernandez was not involved, Alonso said: “It was just because of the game today and we have other players who need minutes,” Alonso said in his press conference afterwards.
The Chelsea manager was then asked exactly when he made the decision to leave the World Cup winner out.
His response made it clear that the call was his alone.
Asked when he decided Fernandez would not play against Luton, Alonso replied: “[On Wednesday], in the afternoon. It’s a decision that I took.
“Enzo is a good professional. He’s training well and I have nothing to say about this. It was just decisions that we have to take thinking about the game that we were playing tonight. We will see for Sunday.”
Fernandez’s next opportunity could come against Brighton on Sunday, with the midfielder’s availability expected to become clearer later in the week.
For Alonso, the priority is managing a squad packed with options while ensuring players remain sharp and motivated.
Chelsea’s opening fixtures are coming thick and fast, making squad rotation an important part of Alonso’s early tenure.
Fernandez remains a major figure within the squad, so his omission from the Luton game is unlikely to become a long-term issue unless circumstances change.
For now, Alonso has left the door firmly open for a return.
The Fernandez decision came on an eventful night for Chelsea off the pitch as well.
The club had a deal accepted for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, adding another layer to an already busy transfer window.
Naturally, Alonso was asked whether more players could arrive or depart before the transfer deadline.
His answer suggested Chelsea are prepared for further movement.
Asked whether he’s expecting more ins and outs before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, Alonso told Sky Sports: “You never know. In football there are surprise and movements to be ready. We are patient and we prepare.”
The Chelsea boss was also pressed on the reported move for Martinez but refused to get drawn into speculation surrounding players who have yet to officially join his squad.
Asked about a move for Martinez, the Chelsea boss replied: “Over the summer there are a lot of rumours and talks. I don’t want to talk about players that are not in my changing room.
“I like to talk about my players.”
Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Luton ensured the Fernandez controversy did not overshadow the result, but attention will now turn towards the Brighton fixture.
Fernandez will hope to return to Alonso’s plans, while the manager will have another selection decision to make.
The message from Alonso is simple: Fernandez was left out for football reasons, not because of a problem with the player.
Whether the Argentine walks straight back into the starting XI against Brighton will be one of Chelsea’s biggest talking points heading into Sunday.
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