He's been forgiven: Enzo poised to return to Blues' squad

It's been almost two weeks since Enzo Fernandez was suspended by the manager, Liam Rosenior, and the club for his statements during the international break, in which he openly and positively spoke about his potential move to Real Madrid, casting doubt on his future at Chelsea.

During his absence, the Blues destroyed the third-tier side Port Vale in the FA Cup (7-0), but were thrashed by Manchester City in the Premier League yesterday (3-0).

When you have a loose tongue – Enzo Fernandez punished for his statements

After the game, Rosenior touched on the Argentinian's case and revealed pleasing news for all Chelsea fans, as Enzo is allegedly set to return to the squad for the potentially key clash in the club's Champions League battle against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

"I'm looking forward to having him back next week. Sometimes you make decisions not based on the short term, but on what you want to see in the long term."

"It was a long-term decision made by myself, the directors and the club, alongside the leadership group of players, to make sure our values and our culture are in the right place for the future," the 41-year-old tactician stated via BBC.

Rosenior went on to explain how Fernandez redeemed himself and earned forgiveness, disclosing that he had a thorough conversation with all the players, including the so-called "leadership group" - reportedly consisting of Cole Palmer, Reece James, Levi Colwill, Moises Caicedo, and Trevoh Chalobah.

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"The hurdle I spoke about was that Enzo wanted to have a conversation with the leadership group - the main players - and speak to the squad."

"At the time of the press conference, he hadn't done that yet. He has now spoken with me, the leadership group and all of the players, and we look forward to welcoming him back," Rosenior concluded.

The clash against the soaring United will by no means be easy, but Chelsea's odds will be significantly higher if Fernandez is on the team.

ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND 32

Friday

West Ham - Wolverhampton 4-0 (1-0)

/Mavropanos 42, 83, Castellanos 66, 68/

Saturday

Arsenal - Bournemouth 1-2 (1-1)

/Gyokeres 35 pen - Kroupi 17, Scott 74/

Brentford - Everton 2-2 (1-1)

/Thiago 3 pen, 76 - Beto 26, Dewsburry-Hall 90+1/

Burnley - Brighton 0-2 (0-1)

/Wieffer 43, 89/

Liverpool - Fulham 2-0 (2-0)

/Ngumoha 36, Salah 40/

Sunday

Crystal Palace - Newcastle 2-1 (0-1)

/Mateta 80, 90+4 pen - Osula 43/

Nottingham Forest - Aston Villa 1-1 (1-1)

/Williams 38 - Murillo 23 og/

Sunderland - Tottenham 1-0 (0-0)

/Mukiele 61/

Chelsea - Manchester City 0-3 (0-0)

/O'Reilly 51, Guehi 57, Doku 68/

Monday

22.00: (1.65) Man.Utd. (4.10) Leeds (5.10)

***odds are subject to change***