Chalien Dantes / Contributor

Head Coach Liam Rosenior confirms that Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez will remain sidelined for the Premier League clash against Manchester City despite apologising for recent comments about Madrid. 

The club has decided to keep the Argentine’s internal two-match suspension in place after his remarks during international duty sparked fresh attention around his future.

Fernandez, who has long been linked with Real Madrid, was absent from Chelsea’s 7-0 FA Cup win over Port Vale last weekend as part of the punishment. While his agent suggested the matter had been settled and the ban could be reduced, Chelsea have opted to stick with the original decision, meaning he will also miss Sunday’s meeting with City.

Chelsea currently sits sixth in the Premier League, one point behind Liverpool in the race for a Champions League place.