Enzo Fernandez has apologised, but will miss Sunday’s clash with Manchester City, says Liam Rosenior.

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed on Friday that Enzo Fernandez will be left out of the match-day squad for Sunday’s meeting with Manchester City, as the Argentine midfielder’s punishment for saying he would like to live in Madrid continues.

Asked what he thought of the Spanish capital city in an interview during the recent international break, Fernandez said: “I really like Madrid,” before comparing it to his native Buenos Aires.

When questioned whether he would consider living in Madrid, Fernandez replied: “Yes, of course,” leading to speculation the World Cup winner could leave Chelsea for Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Rosenior subsequently decided to punish Fernandez with a two-game ban, which started with last weekend’s 7-0 win over Port Vale in the FA Cup.

Chelsea haven’t beaten Manchester City in almost five years – ‘The Blues” last victory over Pep Guardiola’s side coming in the 2020-21 Champions League final – and have lost three of their last four league games.