Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was omitted from the matchday squad for Thursday's 2-0 victory over Luton Town in the League Cup second round, intensifying speculation over his future as Manchester City prepare a £100 million bid.
The 25-year-old Argentine international is wanted by Manchester City before the transfer window closes on September 1. City are preparing a £100 million offer for the player, though Chelsea are set to reject the proposal because they value Fernandez at £120 million.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso had insisted on Wednesday that Fernandez would feature in the Carabao Cup tie against their League One opponents at Stamford Bridge. However, when the 20-man squad was announced on Thursday evening, the midfielder was omitted entirely.
Asked about the decision before kick-off, Alonso gave a brief explanation for leaving the midfielder out of the team.
"We assessed situations, individual and collective and we have decided he is not in the squad for today," Alonso said.
Speaking after the match, the Spanish manager was more open about the situation, revealing that the decision to leave Fernandez out was made jointly with the Chelsea board.
"It was a decision from myself and from the club," Alonso said. "We had other players that needed minutes and it was that way. It's a decision that I took. He's a good professional. He's training well. I have nothing to say about him."
"It was just a decision that we had to take, thinking about the game that we're playing tonight and we'll see for Sunday," Alonso added.
Alonso pre-match comments and squad balance
Alonso's post-match comments marked a shift from his stance twenty-four hours earlier, when he told reporters that Fernandez would play a role in the cup fixture.
"Yes, so we expect that he's involved," Alonso said on Wednesday. "He's trained, he's training really well, he's a good professional and he will be involved."
When asked whether he wanted Fernandez to remain at Chelsea after the transfer window closes, Alonso stressed the importance of squad balance while acknowledging the player's quality.
"We want to have the best team possible," Alonso said. "We know his qualities. He has shown it. We have to wait, but we will think about tomorrow and let's see how things develop."
"We assess the whole squad as a unit and in that squad, we want good balance in terms of quality, in terms of positions, in terms of personalities, so we are aware of everything and we are prepared for whatever," the manager added.
Match details and Carabao Cup progress
On the pitch, Chelsea completed the job without their star midfielder. A goal from striker Danny Welbeck and an own goal by Luton defender Hakeem Odoffin secured a 2-0 win over their League One opponents.
The victory advances Chelsea into the Carabao Cup third round, setting up a home tie against rivals Leeds United next month. Alonso's team next host Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday as the transfer deadline approaches.
