Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso left Enzo Fernandez out of his squad for Thursday's Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town after deciding the 25-year-old midfielder lacked the necessary energy and desire to play.
The Argentinian midfielder's absence came despite Alonso insisting just a day earlier that he intended to use him in the fixture, immediately fueling speculation surrounding a potential £120million transfer to Manchester City.
Chelsea sources insisted on Thursday night after defeating Luton Town that the Stamford Bridge club were still awaiting a formal approach from Manchester City for Fernandez.
Alonso described the decision to exclude Fernandez from the match-day selection as his own choice following a private discussion with the player after training on Wednesday.
Alonso explained: "We need the players that are in the best situation to play. We need to take everything into consideration, players that are in a good moment, players that are not feeling that energy to play."
The Chelsea manager emphasized the importance of commitment, adding: "For me, it is very important they feel this desire to play and to have good preparation."
Alonso confirmed that the conversation led to a clear conclusion regarding Fernandez, who has been a key figure in Chelsea's midfield. "We talked and we decided it was better not to be part of the squad," Alonso said. "He is a top player."
Potential Midfield Replacements
While Chelsea wait for Manchester City to submit a formal offer for Fernandez, the West London club have actively been working on potential midfield replacements ahead of the transfer deadline.
The Blues have maintained a strong interest in Alex Scott all summer. However, Bournemouth have never placed a price tag on their 23-year-old midfielder and have consistently insisted that he is not for sale.
Chelsea are also giving active consideration to Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara as an alternative option, as reported by Daily Mail Sport on Thursday. The 22-year-old Senegal international has emerged as a prime candidate should Fernandez complete a move away.
Asked whether he would require a replacement if Fernandez is sold, Alonso remained cautious: "Sorry, but I’m not the one who talks too early. We will see what happens. We want to be ready always."
Addressing Chelsea's broader transfer activity, Alonso expressed confidence in the club's strategy. "We are quite close to the plan we had," he said. "We will see where we finish, if it’s fully executed or there are things still to be done or things we couldn’t do. But overall the balance of what we have is going to be good. We have to see how the last few days develop. The team is coming together."
Goalkeeper Situation Ahead of Brighton
Alongside their midfield plans, Chelsea face an immediate administrative deadline regarding Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The Blues needed to sign the 33-year-old Argentina international by 12pm UK time on Friday in order for him to be eligible to feature against Brighton this Sunday, provided he is passed fit.
If Martinez is not secured in time, Alonso will be forced to choose between 28-year-old Robert Sanchez and 21-year-old Mike Penders to start in goal for the Premier League fixture.
The potential arrival of Martinez could pave the way for Sanchez to be sold permanently after the Spanish goalkeeper appeared to lose Alonso's trust by conceding two avoidable goals in Chelsea’s 3-2 victory against Fulham on Monday.
Alonso confirmed he has already made up his mind about who will start between the posts against Brighton, though he kept his selection private: "Don’t ask but I know. I prefer to tell the players first."
