Xabi Alonso explains Enzo Fernandez absence from Chelsea squad to face Luton as bombshell report emerges

Xabi Alonso has explained why Enzo Fernandez was left out of Chelsea's squad for their Carabao Cup clash against Luton Town after a bombshell report emerged about the decision.

Fernandez is being heavily linked with Manchester City, a move which would see the midfielder reunite with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

Maresca has identified the £120m-rated Fernandez as a priority target following the departure of Rodri, who recently joined Barcelona, and City are expected to make an offer before next week's deadline.

Earlier this week, Xabi Alonso confirmed that the Argentine would be available for selection for Thursday's second-round game with Luton.

"Yes, we expect that he's involved," said Alonso. "He's trained, he's training really well, he's a good professional and he will be involved. We want to have the best team possible."

However, when Thursday evening rolled around, Fernandez was missing from the team sheet, a decision that has left many questioning his immediate future at Stamford Bridge.

Fernandez was left out of Chelsea's squad to face Luton Town. Image credit: Getty

In fact, ahead of kick-off, a report from Argentine journalist César Luis Merlo claimed that Fernandez asked Alonso to be left out of the squad as negotiations 'continue for his possible move to Manchester City'.

The report added: "At the moment, neither club has announced an agreement for his transfer. The deal remains in the negotiation phase during the final days of the transfer window."

Xabi Alonso explains why Enzo Fernandez was left out of Chelsea squad for Luton game

Alonso selected both Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers for Thursday's game against Luton but Fernandez's absence was inevitably the biggest talking point before a ball was even kicked.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Alonso explained the decision. “We assessed situations, individual and collective and we have decided he is not in the squad for today,” he said.

Asked whether he would like to keep Fernandez, Alonso added: “We want to have the best team possible. We know his qualities. He has shown it and we have to wait, but we will think about tomorrow and let's see how things develop.”

READ MORE: Chelsea draw up four-man shortlist to replace Enzo Fernandez as Man City move sparks transfer domino effect

This week, Enzo Maresca said he hopes to add "a captain" to his squad before the end of the transfer window. “We have experienced players, for sure we have leaders,” he said.

"Now we need to wait 4-5 days for when the transfer window closes also to see if we can add one or two more captains to Ruben [Dias] and Erling [Haaland], at the moment they are the two captains."

The Italian added: “It’s a young squad and also we have some experienced players.”

Maresca named Fernandez as his vice-captain at Chelsea, with the midfielder wearing the armband when Reece James was sidelined.